Algorithm
written by: Craig R Kirchner
I’m a leg man, never said that to anyone,
but now both Instagram and Pinterest
are sure of it, and let me know it,
every morning and evening with –
“Inspired by You” messages.
I cancelled Facebook and X
when I became convinced that they knew
all my triggers – starting with Russian bot stuff
that pushed my buttons politically,
and then had friends send me notifications.
This is the same, but different,
it’s not partisan, they know I like golf
everyone does, but only my wife knows my
love of and fascination with mushrooms –
maybe she’s in on it, but she says not.
She and I discussed it,
and then talked about buying a new headboard.
Ten minutes later, the ads between the pics
of minis and thigh-highs –
were from bed retailers and mattress companies.
They seem to know me at least as well
as I know me, maybe they’re watching from
the microwave, and now Nest wants to hook up
the thermostat with Google,
and wants my address and SSN.
I’m sure the thermostat and social media,
know that I make spaghetti sauce bi-monthly,
write poetry daily, at least weekly –
I’m going to do all I can to keep something secret,
as soon as I figure out what that could be.
- Algorithm - September 24, 2026
- Lost in Wheatfield - June 26, 2026
- Lara - April 5, 2026
