Encyclopedias
I mourn the loss of the World Book Encyclopedia, or Britanica.
A huge expense for my family, I relished its monthly
Alphabetical arrival.
Pouring over each lettered volume,
I studied animals, history, flowers, and culture.
In school we’d have to quote our sources,
Magazines, the volume of the book, the page and author.
We summarized and pulled together thoughts.
We eventually made heart felt decisions,
Teased out by the vast variety of sources.
I fear AI for its smoothing of edges,
For its authoritative judgment of truth.
I miss the slow process of alphabetical learning.
I’m sure you all have poured over these volumes.
The internet might be faster, but less gratifying.
You can find me at http://www.abberolnick.com
