You sent me a photo from 2018
You sent me a photo from 2018
You sent me a photo from 2018
to my inbox in 1998
It flashed off your iPhone and shined
then halted and crawled through my phone line
HOTMAIL laid down pixels like a snail
while our poodle was wagging his tail
I searched in millions of dots for your face
that turned back to me before yesterday
But my eyes were filled with twinkles
that blurred your face into wavy and shiny wrinkles
GPT
The poem "You sent me a photo from 2018" explores the themes of nostalgia, technology, and the passage of time. It presents a juxtaposition between different eras by using the imagery of receiving a photograph from the future (2018) in the past (1998), highlighting the impact of technology on human connection and memory.
The poem begins with the speaker receiving a photograph, possibly through email, as indicated by the mention of the inbox in 1998. This sets up the contrast between the past and the future, emphasizing the time difference between when the poem is set (1998) and when the photograph was taken (2018). This contrast is further emphasized by the mention of an iPhone, a device that did not exist in 1998 but was prevalent in 2018.
The line "It flashed off your iPhone and shined" suggests the immediacy and visual impact of the photograph. The use of the word "flashed" conveys a sudden and vivid presence, while "shined" implies a brightness that draws attention. This highlights the power of images and how they can captivate and engage the viewer.
The next line, "then halted and crawled through my phone line," presents a contrasting image of the slow and laborious transfer of data through the phone line. This juxtaposition between the instantaneous nature of the digital world and the slower, analog means of communication creates a sense of dissonance and reflects the challenges of navigating different eras.
The reference to "HOTMAIL laid down pixels like a snail" adds to the sense of slowness and the arduous process of transferring the image. It also evokes a sense of nostalgia for the early days of email, when technology was still developing and internet speeds were slower.
The inclusion of the poodle wagging its tail introduces an element of lightheartedness and domesticity amidst the technological imagery. It serves as a reminder of the tangible and familiar world, providing a contrast to the digital realm.
The lines "I searched in millions of dots for your face
that turned back to me before yesterday" portray the speaker's attempt to locate and recognize the person in the photograph. The reference to "millions of dots" refers to the pixels that make up the image and underscores the difficulty in identifying the subject amidst the vast digital landscape.
The final lines, "But my eyes were filled with twinkles
that blurred your face into wavy and shiny wrinkles," suggest a sense of emotional response to the photograph. The "twinkles" may represent tears or a shimmering effect caused by the speaker's emotional state. The mention of "wavy and shiny wrinkles" alludes to the passing of time and the impact it has on the person captured in the photograph, further emphasizing the theme of nostalgia and the fleeting nature of memories.
Overall, the poem evokes a sense of wonder, dislocation, and contemplation about the intersection of technology and human connection. It explores the power of images to transcend time and evoke emotions, while also acknowledging the challenges and changes brought about by advancing technology.
