BLUEST LIGHT

A phone poem (ironically written on an iPhone)

BLUEST LIGHT
by Steve Veasey

I use my phone
to search inspirational quotes
of reasons why I should
put down my phone.

A stroll in the rain
satisfies more than
a scroll of the feed.

---

Perspective is everything. The topic of our phones and devices often approached with experience and bias– and that can be a wonderful thing. I won’t project an opinion too heavily, as it varies from day to day. Some days it’s the devil I know, others it’s divine wisdom.

Over the past six months, I’ve been listening to the Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast as a bit of a palette cleanser from the self-improvement podcasts– I’m looking at you Mel Robbins and Co. wink wink ;) –because a good laugh in my day is incredibly healing. In the heaviness of the world, a smile can go a long way. One of the questions that Amy asks her guests at the end of each episode is what’s making them laugh lately or what do they watch when they need a break and to feel good. I noticed early on that Amy often brings up things on her phone that she engages in- funny videos from TikTok or rewatching SNL clips. She unashamedly announces how much she loves her phone. I don’t know Amy (and would love to hang with her!), but she seems to give off this vibe that she her relationship with her phone is being used for the better.

I couldn’t possibly preach the reasons why we should be looking at our phones less. I also won’t convince of the positive opportunities. But, maybe both/and can exist– like so much in our lives (psst. This is coming from a self-professed extremist). Both/and is a complex place to live in, but if you are brave enough to venture into it, you can see how beautiful that space can be.

(I would be remiss to not drop this banger in at the end)