Two Poems by Gary Beck

Distraction

People walk the streets

text messaging,
thumbs urgent
to communicate,
no longer linked
to cell phones,
instead enslaved
by tiny screens
that never warn
of approaching danger.

Senior Search

The refusal

to be left behind
propels seniors
to the internet,
seeking companionship,
friendship, romance,
other benefits,
hoping to avoid
surfing predators
cruising the web
in search of the lonely.

Gary Beck has spent most of his adult life as a theater director. His chapbook 'Remembrance' was published by Origami Condom Press, 'The Conquest of Somalia' was published by Cervena Barva Press, 'The Dance of Hate' was published by Calliope Nerve Media, 'Material Questions' was published by Silkworms Ink, 'Dispossessed' was published by Medulla Press, 'Mutilated Girls' was published by Heavy Hands Ink and 'Pavan and other poems was published by Indigo Mosaic. A collection of his poetry 'Days of Destruction' was published by Marie Celeste Press. Another collection 'Expectations' was published by Rogue Scholars Press and 'Dawn in Cities' and 'Assault on Nature' are being published by Winter Goose Press. His novel 'Extreme Change' was published by Cogwheel Press. His original plays and translations of Moliere, Aristophanes and Sophocles have been produced Off Broadway. His poetry has appeared in hundreds of literary magazines. He currently lives in New York City .