On June 12, 2009, the United States switched from analog to digital television transmission. While generally heralded as a great step forward, the fact remained that even with good receiving equipment, many people who lived in more remote areas were left unable to receive the new, high definition broadcasts....
The Night of the Switchover
Twas the night of the switchover and in my lone house
I sat at computer, glumly clicking my mouse
My signal was gone- not that I watched much
But it was the end of an era- a sad passing, or such.
The static it whispered from my now useless set
No more TV for me- this seemed a safe bet!
But then, as I listened to white background noise-
Out from the static came a soft siren's voice.
Then I looked setward certain my hearing untrue-
And that's when I saw her- eyes green... and skin blue.
Her accent- most cultured!
Her aspect- most pleasant!
But despite all my learning I felt quite the peasant...
For here at long last was first contact- ET!
And surprising enough- she talked straight to me!
"I realize", she said, with no further segue
"For years we've been watching and now we should pay.
This is the first you've been quiet to let us reply
And now only you're watching- I just wonder why!"
"But since it's just you, and you seem most attentive
To give us more programs I'll give you incentive-
Now run to your desk, get paper and pen-
And I'll give you a list of great answers- top ten!"
Ten was cold fusion, and Nine was AI
Eight healed contusions, Seven a message hid inside Pi !
Six was a metal that just wouldn't break
And Five gave us time travel to fix our mistakes.
Four was about warping, to get there from here-
With Three we'd have cloaking and could quite disappear!
Two was the secret for a long happy life-
And One was world peace, a sure end to strife.
Then looking at me, she said," There's time for another-
And this one's for you, as you'll soon discover.
This is the answer that you always wanted-
The one just out of reach that's kept you so haunted."
I'm sure she said something. I'm sure that she spoke...
But that, friends, most sadly, is the moment I woke.
The Night of the Switchover
Twas the night of the switchover and in my lone house
I sat at computer, glumly clicking my mouse
My signal was gone- not that I watched much
But it was the end of an era- a sad passing, or such.
The static it whispered from my now useless set
No more TV for me- this seemed a safe bet!
But then, as I listened to white background noise-
Out from the static came a soft siren's voice.
Then I looked setward certain my hearing untrue-
And that's when I saw her- eyes green... and skin blue.
Her accent- most cultured!
Her aspect- most pleasant!
But despite all my learning I felt quite the peasant...
For here at long last was first contact- ET!
And surprising enough- she talked straight to me!
"I realize", she said, with no further segue
"For years we've been watching and now we should pay.
This is the first you've been quiet to let us reply
And now only you're watching- I just wonder why!"
"But since it's just you, and you seem most attentive
To give us more programs I'll give you incentive-
Now run to your desk, get paper and pen-
And I'll give you a list of great answers- top ten!"
Ten was cold fusion, and Nine was AI
Eight healed contusions, Seven a message hid inside Pi !
Six was a metal that just wouldn't break
And Five gave us time travel to fix our mistakes.
Four was about warping, to get there from here-
With Three we'd have cloaking and could quite disappear!
Two was the secret for a long happy life-
And One was world peace, a sure end to strife.
Then looking at me, she said," There's time for another-
And this one's for you, as you'll soon discover.
This is the answer that you always wanted-
The one just out of reach that's kept you so haunted."
I'm sure she said something. I'm sure that she spoke...
But that, friends, most sadly, is the moment I woke.
VIEW 8 of 8 COMMENTS
dreamergirl:
You are hilarious. Only God knows why this had to happen.
_margot_:
thank you
