HANG IN THERE !

ODE TO THE INTERNET

I post, sending forth my views into the net

Then I wait, like an expectant father

Waiting for the fruits of my loves labour.

Then it comes. The replies.

I hold my Breath.

Shedding a tear as my baby is born.

AND I READ

Vitriol spews forth from the page like pus from an open wound

Words scrawled across my page, cutting sharper than a laser

And I wonder.

What have I done to deserve this

What wrong have I wrought to bring about these replies

What uncross-able line did I unintentionally cross

What sacred thought did I pierce to earn this display of wrath

Can I not also speak my mind

Is it only you that has the liberty to speak

Where is my freedom of speech

Did I  force you to read the thoughts on the page

Did I make you listen to my homily

Did I force you to adhere to my opinions

NO

Yet you spew forth your unveiled hatred

As if it were a precious jewel I should prize

As if only you have or know the truth

Come, let us be reasonable

Each of us has our own thoughts

Our own axe to grind

Why not join me,

Come, watch where the sparks fall

Let's see which spark lights the fires of freedom

Come, light the fire with me.

Don't let it fail for lack of fuel

Don't smother the fire before the flame begins

Let freedoms fire burst forth in all its glory

As together, we give birth to a  new nation

Born of hope, fed with freedom.