Cold Comfort?

Who among us mutters cold
comfort? This is, after all,
a brave new world we inhabit.
No longer should any of us
pine for notice and the
warmth of companionship.

For company there is in
abundance; no one need
feel any longer the depths
of lonely despair. Concern
for our well-being and peace
of mind is - everywhere.

One's microwave oven bids
its chirpy message of "enjoy
your meal!" The laundry pair
politely wishes us a good day
when their cycles are complete.
Our motor vehicles clearly
have consulted with our mothers.

To them falls the task of
reminding us to secure our
seat belts. They greet us: "Hello!"
when the ignition key springs
them to attentive life. They
remind us of a door not quite
shut, oil running low, and to
decrease our speed: thank you.

And when the journey is done,
ignition key turned to off,
bids us in a slow, lingering
wistfulness ' "Goodbye" for now.
One's cellphone addresses us
with fond familiarity embellished
with our favourite wallpaper.

The iPod remembers our chosen
music to entertain us intimately.
And, oh yes, the computer stands
prepared to link us with caring
others who share our concerns
and values. What more might any
self-respecting soul search out?