Sparks and Spontaneity

Coach

She rests her head on the window as the coach jolts side to side,

Wondering why.

Is it her fault?

This inability to communicate with the world?

Headphones in. Reality out.

A generation surrounded by media that claims to connect us all

Is just... disconnected.

Not one face illuminated with a smile,

Instead of a dull, pale glow.

Not one person to pause

And absorb the memories they will endure once in a lifetime

Rather than clambering for a phone to "capture the moment".

But we are the ones captured

By the idea of a perfect life only seen on magazines and movie screens.

Whiplash.

The coach speeds ahead; scenery so blurred she feels dizzy.

And when it finally slows, so does she.

Her memory fades, but at least she has the pictures to gaze at

Of sombre eyes and a forced smile.

Not recalling the where or the when or the how

But the number of likes she got on Facebook with a black and white filter.

If only it were that easy.

To manipulate ones face

Rid them of blemishes.

Freckles.

Scars.

Curves.

Imperfections.

Individuality.

For instant popularity.

But sometimes, hatred takes it's toll.

Accusations attack a person

Until their self esteem is buried in a time capsule

Along with brick nokias and VHS tapes.

Leaving them to constantly ask

Why they're only a 5/10.

We overcompensate over the strangers that hide behind a screen

But barely acknowledge the voices of the family that surround us.

And it is only getting worse.

Will our children know what a board game is?

The excitement that came with going to visit a grandparent or a cousin?

Or will they too hit the brick wall that segregates our generation?

A snapchat filter may animate our faces, but can it ignite our hearts

Like the affection of a loved one?

So many questions that we are so afraid to ask

Just because our race has adapted to prefer the bliss of ignorance.

The sudden slam of breaks wakes her up from the daydream

And she realises that on a vehicle full of people

She has never felt so alone.