I don’t know what happened to this beer hall
For it was a boisterous atmosphere,
And we made sure that it included all
To its nightly revelry and loud cheer.
But a hush has settled over the crowd
Who have come to dine here in recent years.
Their attention is in a diff’rent cloud
That plays into the irrational fears.
They once gained warmth by the burning embers,
And the conversation with a stranger.
They stare at another glowing member
Unaware of its inherent danger.
Each person in this beer hall is alone
Because of the possession of their phone.
John Collings 