Description A poem about a computer monitor, written in dactylic tetrameter.
	Background This is one of five works that I wrote in lieu of a final exam for my Advanced Composition class in college. Only four are contained in Wubbo's World of Words. The purpose of this poem was to define something in a way that reflected my views on a particular quality of it. In the case of this poem, the subject is a computer monitor. I bet you've never considered your monitor's feelings before, have you? :-)
	A Poem About A Computer Monitor Written in Dactylic Tetrameter
	This is my poem about a computer screen -- Cathode ray tube, as it’s commonly hailed. It’s a Common perception that this is all that it means: Plastic and glass and some cords for a tail. Buttons and switches and diodes emitting light -- That’s all it is; no need for more thought. But I’m here to tell you that, blow it off as you might, Few as important a thing have been wrought. The Phosphors lay nestled all snug at their stations, Awaiting that glorious moment of bliss, when Grandiose visions of illumination are Finally granted and naught is amiss. The Temperature rises, electrons are screaming; The monitor glows in a brilliant display. Status is good, information is streaming, and No further obstacles stand in the way. After Seven point five two three hours or so, a Conclusion is reached; the user must go. As his Finger approaches the On-and-Off Button, Electrons prepare for a stop in their flow. The Moment descends like a thief in the night, to Rob them of joy; like a razor-sharp guillotine Chopping off heads, cutting short their delight; and Pushing them into the depths of the screen. The Phosphors no longer in brilliant display, elec- Tricity ebbs and falls by the way; the Monitor’s messages cease to resume, as The user’s decided to call it a day. This is a day in the life of your screen -- That shimmering icon of technology. Now You’ve got a concept of what it all means; Electrons are waiting -- now you are the key.
	Copyright (c) 1997, Matthew Holmes