To the Wonderful Wizard of Menlo Park
who ushered humanity out of the dark:
I love you, Mr. Edison,
and all the saints before
or since who helped to bring
electric current to my door.
I’ve often yearned for simpler times.
Excuse me, I was wrong;
I’m very glad I wasn’t born
before you came along.
How quickly I forget when things
proceed without a hitch.
Hereafter, I will bless your name
each time I flip a switch.
I promise I will never fail
again to stop and think
each time I turn the tap to run
hot water in the sink.
When fiddling with the thermostat
or opening the freezer,
I’ll contemplate with gratitude
my lovely life of leisure.
Tomorrow when I wake up in
an air conditioned room,
I’ll say a silent thank you
for the wattage I consume.
I’ll ponder your invention
every day and every night,
and all the wonders you inspired
by turning on the light.
I’d like to send this accolade
by email with a shout
to everyone I know, but … damn …
the power just blinked out.
———
1996
