Electrons Gone Astray

     I ran into a disagreement with electrons again today. Sometimes they are so helpful. Marching in nice straight rows like a Russian May Day parade, their disciplined behavior and orderly rows lead you to believe they could do great things, and they can. But with just one touch of the wrong button, they assume all the organizational characteristics of a kindergarten soccer team. I quickly get to the point where the only alternative is to unplug the game, get them back on the “buss” and start over.

      Electrons Gone Astray
It’s happened often in my past
     And once again today.
Just as I think I have it set,
     Electrons go astray.

I try to set some new device
     To make it do my will.
The first 16 steps have worked out,
     I start to feel a thrill.

Is it possible this time
    That new device is set?
Even if it’s going well
    I have learned not to bet.

For just as triumph is at hand
     And Murphy is at bay,
Some circuit lets a few get out,
    Electrons go astray.

This time it is a TV dish
     I’m trying to outfox.
The hard drive on the old one crashed;
     They sent one in a box.

The four-pound installation book
    That came for me to read
Has a separate language
     For every nation, tribe or creed.

You’d think the English portion
    Would do me the most good.
But somehow the Hebrew chapter is
     As easily understood.

Start with menu, like it says,
     Then follow in the book.
A 14-digit product code?
     Where was it that I look?

I make it to the final page,
     The pressure starts to show.
Like a NASA mission specialist,
     I feel the tension grow.

What’s that, the screen says reset !
     Somehow I made a mess.
My big old farmer fingers
     Have made an errant press.

“Where are you headed?” my wife asks
    As I stomp out the door.
“I am going to get my grandson
     To finish up this chore.”

  ~ By Davis Kragnes

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