Chapter 19: Modern Technology Verse 1 Modern technology has greatly improved my way of life, And allowed me to pursue interests That would not have been possible for my parents. I can communicate by Messenger, Both audio and video, At no cost and for unrestricted periods of time. Verse 2 This is in contrast to expensive long-distance phone calls, And waiting as much as three weeks For a letter from abroad, As was the case twenty-five years ago. Now the distance is shorter, And the waiting is gone. Chorus The world is closer than it used to be, Without leaving where I am. The tools have changed the distance, Not the person or the plan. Verse 3 Family history research has been streamlined By commercial companies made accessible online, Otherwise difficult-to-find data, Once stored on microfilm or in books. This has eliminated much of the need To travel overseas to archives. Verse 4 In 2019 I obtained an iPhone, Which allowed me to remain in my house Even with mobility problems. I like to check the news with my phone. I can go to medical appointments by Uber And order groceries on Instacart Without leaving the house. Verse 5 Uber is very convenient, Readily available, Usually arriving within two minutes. During the Covid epidemic I was housebound, But I did not have to consider Going to a seniors’ residence, Where most Covid deaths occurred. Chorus The world is closer than it used to be, Without leaving where I am. The tools have changed the distance, Not the person or the plan. Verse 6 I like to watch documentaries on PBS such as Nova, And programs like Doc Martin, Father Brown, And Midsomer Murders. I follow international news on Al Jazeera, BBC and Euronews, And programs of interest to seniors on Vision. Verse 7 When there is nothing of interest on TV, I watch Star Trek on Netflix, The Next Generation And Deep Space Nine. Final Chorus Modern technology improved my way of life, That much is simply true. It let me stay where I belong, And still see the world come through.
