I have recently been
shopping online
for things like
medicated shower soaps
modern day options in
breathable underwear
hair styling products
and a new shoulder bag
to hold things like
my tablet computer
my wallet
a comb
my inhaler
and sunscreen when I’m
out running errands
and lately I have been looking
for a lavender colored shirt
to accent a new vest I wear to gigs
(It would seem this last bit of shopping
has made my computer sit up and take notice.)
~~~~
Now my computer
is sending me ads
for wild patterned shirts and skinny jeans
and for things I never knew existed
that frighten me when
I figure out their true purpose.
I have been told that
greatly sophisticated
computer algorithms exist
that can determine exactly
what a person will shop for next
based on what they shopped for last
but I am fairly certain I will never require
jewelry for a piercing in the places
these ads are alluding too.
~~~~
I began to wonder if I were to
do some searches for things like
sledge hammers and welding masks
if that would bring things back into balance
closer to my personal experience
(though I’ve never used either)
or would I be creating a whole new algorithm
for welders who use shoulder bags
while running errands wearing lavender shirts?
(Where I live, the chances of that algorithm
already existing is very high.)
~~~~
I was going to end this with
Does my computer
know something
I don’t?
But, on further review
perhaps the question should be:
Can I get a welding mask in lavender paisley?
(I’m pretty sure it would be awesome.)
Ken Owen
Van Niddy Press August 2018