Mimeograph Mimic
Senryu stanzas on expressing our authentic selves
The humble photocopier. It’s become a scanner now, and an application on our phones that we cannot do without.
Our friendly Mr. Gadget of years gone by, Thomas Edison, invented its predecessor, the mimeograph, in 1876. And we celebrate his lightbulb moment today.
The mimeograph gives pause for a little introspection. While it is convenient ( I use scanners to prepare students’ work all the time) it can lead to a lack of originality and a fear of expressing ourselves.
While it is tempting to model on others, doing that may restrict our voices.
So we hail the mimeograph and the convenience it has brought, but we hail our styles too.
Enjoy these senryus. Thank you!
Mimeograph mimic
Flagrant duplicates outcast
Copies downgraded
Unique copier
Originals celebrated
Black stencils stand out.
About the Creator
Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin
Hi, i am an English Language teacher cum freelance writer with a taste for pets, prose and poetry. When I'm not writing my heart out, I'm playing with my three dogs, Zorra, Cloudy and Snowball.
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Comments (4)
Oh wow, I was today years old when I learned what a mimeograph is! Loved your poem!
Nice one , great inventions of our time ,love itt
Oh I remember some of those … and stencils for artwork were cool although you are speaking g of different ones. Love it!!😍
Great poem! The source of evolution is originality.,