Not long ago, tweens were planking, flat as
floorboards, arms stiff wings by their side,
grinning, legs straight as dead rats.
For they were young and free online, took pride
how fast their trending fad could spread, the
comic sight for browsing guests who clicked:
Plankers on City Parks and Art Puzzle Public.
Was this a music video? Were these dancers?
One dawn for laughs to make his Facebook name,
a beer-soaked man of twenty straddled his
balcony. No director’s ‘Cut!’ No camera tricks to
frame the hero shot. No Rewind for surviving
families. Less than fifteen seconds to impact, to
choose another drink, to consider/share what
others lose.