Online and Offline

 

 

Offline and online

Out of line and in line,

What a distance we have come

In a pretty short time!

 

In my growing-up days

It was stand in line

Like boarding the school bus:

Remember that time?

 

However, to stand in line

Is now to queue up

And you will get fixed

If you have any luck.

 

 

Or walking a straight line

If suspected of a DUI,

On the breathalyzer test

They now rely.

 

Before I forget

There was also out of line:

A reference to the rowdy

And the unruly kind.

 

There was the plumb line

Ask any mason about that:

Walls lined up back then

That is a fact!

 

Draw a straight line

And do it freehand:

In Mr. Broodhagen’s art class

That was the plan.

 

Top of the line

Used to mean the best,

It’s a cliché nowadays meaning

Just like the rest.

  

Out of line and in line

Were based on a standard

But online and offline

Speaks to going forward.

 

Money pinned to a clothesline

Is not paying online,

It would be off the line

In the quickest time.

 

A word to the foolish

And this should be sufficient:

If the above cap fits you

You are clearly deficient.

 

Computer devices help

If pupils are online,

Some are without the Internet

Even in this time.

 

 

Pupils will not be in line

If they are offline,

We would be out of line

If we move on at this time.

 

So, spare a thought

For the most vulnerable,

If they are not online

We are asking for trouble.

 

Planning takes time

If all are to benefit,

It will take more than talk

As is the frequent habit.

 

Throne speeches are great

But they are not law,

Commendation to our G.G.

Whom we must applaud.

 

She was clear and distinct

Definitely in line,

It’s now up to the PM

And her team at this time.

 

A promise is not a deed-

We must never forget,

More like comfort to a fool

No different from a bet.

 

Offline and online

Out of line and in line,

Not too much difference-

Mostly one of a kind.

 

Offline is out of line

Online is in line,

If we have no connection

We are in a bind.

  

Make sure all are online

Before moving on

Or the vulnerable will be offline

When the train is gone.

 

I know we are anxious

To return to the norm

But we must be very careful

In this COVID storm.

 

Stewart Russell © September 16, 2020