The title, if not abbreviated and in plain English, should read satellite navigation system, dashboard camera, close circuit television video and flying cameras as in drones etc.
Basically all forms of watching, monitoring and/or recording our day to day movements. Not so bad of course if you are not a criminal or wrong doer, but many people feel uncomfortable about being continually observed. I personally am not too bothered and probably feature on many recordings having a surreptitious scratch, but come ON, we all do that, and I have seen you!
I do though recognise that lots of ordinary, everyday folk going about their lives in innocuous manner, and with no thought of illegal or anti social behaviour, strongly object to having a “Big Brother” like system overseeing them. How do you feel about it?
One of the systems I mentioned was a “Dash” or dashboard camera, where roads are scanned whilst driving, also used by cyclists and motorbike/scooter riders, as they can clarify any blame in the case of an accident. Having been victim when only young on the road. of “knock on knock” and lies in road incidents that cost me increased insurance, I certainly support these!
Now on top of these intrusive recording devices, there are the ordinary witnesses and human eyes observing life, mine among them as I poetically report what I see in life. It is fascinating too.
From my 6th book comes….
Brief Watching
I have my thoughts and beliefs
That are tied in with my views,
When I just stand around
And the passing world peruse,
With all its strange characters
Acting out on their stage
Of earth’s wonderful scenery
Like a continual turning page.
Some will show off for attention
Or personal reasons that they need,
For in their own mixed up head
It’s the only way to succeed.
But surely this will often have
Opposite responses that they intend.
So they’ll be dismissed as crazy
And daft actions must amend.
But mostly people are oblivious
To any watching eyes on them,
Despite the growing use of cameras
That can exonerate or condemn.
For we have got quite used to
The idea we are always seen,
In various activities of life
Either embarrassing or obscene.
Though of course I learnt my craft
In my long psychiatric career,
When placing myself in a corner
I observed those who came near.
So my everyday life now is similar
Or in some cases much the same,
For all passing people now
I consider are fair game.
Some have a crafty little scratch
When thinking they’re unobserved,
But others do some strange things
They really should have swerved.
But by far the most interesting
Are ordinary, everyday acts,
Like smoking cigarettes, and eating
That are noted for poetic facts.
With arguing, shouting and strange dress
Much better when unintended,
Like ill fitting clothes, and colour clashes
Never to be recommended.
So outlandish behaviour and language
That has no spoken English bearing,
Are often lost among the words
Mostly laced with swearing.
Now that is just some of my clues
But I’m not giving away too many,
As when considering strange acts
Most people deny having any.
Though I can certainly advise you,
Or perhaps just add to warn.
That you are part of this mad world
And have been, since being born.
*
So we can be both the watchers and the watched then, although perhaps don’t always recognise how much we are observing things, even if they are not in any way registered, remembered or acknowledged until reminded. In fact long before the concept of so many cameras and surveillance, and in the event of incidents or accidents, the only reports came from witnesses, or casual passers by, and these recollections could often be clouded.
Witness
An innocent bystander can observe
Many “going outs” and “coming ins,”
And whilst not wanting to be involved
May witness an array of sins!
For we are all spectators of life
Though many with blinkered eyes,
Apart from scenes that involve them
Thus they bask under cloudless skies.
Of course until their sunshine is gone
When they will shout for you and me.
But generally they’ll be indifferent
As none are so blind as will not see!
So we can bear witness to our world
Occasionally making comment to seek
Correction or change, but mostly don’t,
For if not our problem we’re loathe to speak.
Though obviously all the worlds wrongs
Cannot be solved by just one voice
That has witnessed man’s injustices,
Though some will make the choice,
To make a growing chorus
So much harder to then ignore,
But for many it’s too much trouble
And through contented sleep they snore!
*
So that was my aptly titled poem “Witness” and offers some other thoughts on the “watched and watchers”. Getting the picture? Or should that be a recorded surveillance image you see?
For me a programme on television called “Hunted”, (and a newer charity version “celebrity hunted”), puts all this camera, recording and being traced business into perspective as it involves contestants “going on the run” hopefully for 28 days, and having to be tracked, or hunted down by a team of Intelligence, ex military and police personnel. It shows how heavily we are all monitored everywhere and that many things we do or use leave some form of digital or signal trail. Alongside drones and photographic equipment the camera abilities and trails are stunning. Yes, again food for thought, but also an enjoyable and insightful programme to boot.
Another of my earlier poems from my 2nd book now….
Game to Lose
Your game of life is often played
In front of the watching crowd,
Who see your each and every move
As you stand small, or very proud.
So the fence sitters will only watch
How others cope with their game.
And decrying all those who’ve lost
Whilst jealous of the victors fame.
For if you won’t take a part in life
You can deride and mock at will,
All those who try to do their best
To enjoy life, and so they’ll fulfil.
So that’s why I have strongly felt
It’s far better to have tried and lost.
For if you won’t compete or try
You’ll much later count your cost,
Of just cowardly sitting at the side,
Never taking any risk or chance.
Making you a lonely, boring case,
And not worth a second glance!
But by getting stuck in having a go
It’s just possible you may win out.
And that must be so much better
Than not to know a winners shout.
So our cosy spectators of the world
Will always rue not being brave,
And missed the warmth of joining in
Thus taking a sadness to their grave.
*
Easy to watch and criticise then, or maybe just watch! What do you do I wonder?
Anyway before I close I just want to reassure everyone that there really isn’t anything to worry about? Well maybe not too much and I’m sure you are fine! Errr just be careful with that intimate little scratch……
All six of my books :–
Poetic Views of Life
More Poetic Views of Life
Reviews of Life in Verse &
Life Scene in Verse
Life Presented In Verse,
And NOW my sixth book =
Poet Reveals All (in your world).
These all ensure my donation to the excellent charity I support, promote and donate to, that being Help for Heroes.
My first 3 books are only priced £4.99 each, with my 4th and 5th bigger books at £6.99. My new and sixth book, bigger still is £9.99. and all are for sale on Amazon, book stores or from me ………….. lw1800@hotmail.co.uk Or 07967 355236
I can now also write a “Personal Poem” for you, your family, any event or your business too…….
I also have a Facebook page “The Psychy Poet Laurie Wilkinson”, and a website:- www.psychypoet.com please sign/join up absolutely free.
