March 2022 SOLC–Day 16
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
I know that Facebook has its flaws, and they are significant, but there are still many positives. I’m grateful for so much of what Facebook offers me. It enables me to share my photographs, to belong to groups who share their photographs and knowledge, to write with a community, to meet virtually with my immediate family, and to connect with other far-flung relatives across the distance.
I just learned that a relative I’ve been communicating with on Facebook is facing some health challenges. It reminded me of this poem that I’d started months ago. It seemed right to finish and share it today.
In Defense of Facebook
To many,
a wasteland or worse–
a toxic dump,
a political maelstrom,
a gallery of self-indulgent
navel gazing
or a superficial competition.
But when I share
a photo of a fox sparrow,
my elderly cousin replies.
Soon our comments
are winging their way
from Maine to Ohio
and back again
a shared migration
of bird sightings
and bird love.
His suggestion
to listen to the sound
of a Wilson’s snipe in flight
sends me googling
into a delightful fluttering buzz
of “whoop whoop whoop”
and wonder.
Now my eyes widen
turn outward and upward,
seeking snippets,
small tidbits to send his way
feathered hopeful things
that connect us
to the birds
to each other.
©Molly Hogan
Nix the comfort zone 
Love this poem and the way the line breaks and imagery work together. I also agree — facebook has actually really helped me keep in touch with people I wouldn’t have otherwise. For that it’s a blessing!
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I will admit that I’ve blocked a few relatives…
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Well, this is unexpected and beautiful! I like how you use FB!! I especially love your line “a shared migration”, speaking of both birds and your messages. Who knew FB could cultivate a sense of wonder… you do.
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FB is definitely a plus in my life…most of the time!
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The second stanza – oof! Gorgeous! – and the last four lines, too. Like you, I find some good things on FB & even Instagram, where I committed to following only beautiful things.
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The beautiful things are there when you look 🙂 I love some of my birding groups and my writing groups, too!
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I love how you form the connection here. I agree, FB can be a good thing. It definitely connects family members across the miles and helps dig deep into common interests if used properly. What a beautiful tribute to your cousin and the bond you have formed.
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Thanks! It’s been a joy to connect with him.
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Molly, I love the connection of sharing bird photos, sounds, and love you share with your cousin. I to enjoy seeing people’s photos like yours and others, being in some private groups, connecting with distant relatives and old friends…I love your images and words in your poem. I especially love your ending “seeking snippets, small tidbits to send his way
feathered hopeful things that connect us
to the birds
to each other.” Sometimes when I see a beautiful photo of nature, of animals, a baby, or toddler it inspires me and makes me happy. Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem and for sharing your amazing photos on FB.
Do you ever worry about someone copying them and claiming them for their own? Or do you put a copyright on them? How do you add a copyright to a photo?
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Thanks, Gail. I don’t really worry about someone using my photos. I know there are ways to add watermarks, but as of now, I haven’t felt the need to do so.
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You capture the value of connections perfectly! I definitely wouldn’t want Facebook to be my news source or means of political information, but it’s great at connecting with friends and family–especially those you don’t see too often. I’m still a bit jealous of those drafts that you pull out and finish!
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I think those drafts probably reveal something about my personality…and I’m not sure it’s something to be jealous of! lol I just looked and there are…155 of them! (of course that is including 14 more prepped for the Challenge and waiting for words).
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155! Just think of all of those words—just waiting for you. 😉
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I’m glad Facebook works for you. I have heard such tales before from friends with niche interests. Hannah and I remain holdouts. Hannah a never-was Facebook and me four years Facebook-free without a Facebook bender even once!
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It’s mostly a positive source of connection for me. I get why it doesn’t work for others though. Kurt left Facebook long ago and that was a good thing.
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