In my journey as a computer repair specialist, I’ve encountered myriad stories – tales of unsuspecting individuals ensnared by the cunning traps of modern technology. Each client who walked through my doors brought more than just a device in need of repair; they brought a story of deception, often a victim of the various scams that plague our digital landscape.
This experience, both humbling and enlightening, inspired me to embark on a unique project. My aim was not only to raise awareness about these prevalent scams but to do so through a medium that resonates across ages and backgrounds – poetry. I sought to blend the poignant lessons of my clients’ experiences with the immortal voices of great poets, hoping to create a bridge between the ethereal world of literature and the very real world of cybersecurity threats.
In this series, you will find prose and poetry inspired by the styles of Samuel Clemens, Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, and Robert Frost. Their distinct voices have always fascinated me, and their ability to delve deep into the human psyche seemed apt for exploring the intricacies of deception in the digital age.
However, as I share these works with you, it is crucial to acknowledge the line between inspiration and originality. These poems, while written in homage to the greats, tread closely to their unique styles and thematic elements. I must confess and apologize for any blatant appropriation, unintentional as it may have been, in my attempt to pay tribute to these literary giants.
Mark Twain, with his sharp wit and keen observations, Edgar Allan Poe, with his mastery of the macabre, Mary Shelley, with her foresight into the fears of the unknown, and Robert Frost, with his profound simplicity, have all been sources of inspiration for this series. Their works have been a guiding light in my attempt to merge the worlds of cybersecurity and literature, to convey a message that is both educational and reflective.
In closing, I hope the prose and poems will resonate as more than mere echoes of literary past. While I have stylistically borrowed from the greats — and acknowledge that even stylistic emulation treads close to the act of taking what is not one’s own — the core message remains steadfast and clear. These verses are crafted to serve as a beacon, illuminating the ever-present threats in our digital world, and to inspire vigilance. In a realm where your personal information is as valuable as gold, the intention here is not to steal from the legacy of Twain, Poe, Shelley, or Frost, but to protect you from being scammed. May this collection encourage a more cautious approach to technology, something we often embrace too readily, without understanding its potential perils.
Sincerely,
Kitt Condrey-Miller
In a world where night and day entwine,
Under a canopy of code and cyberspace design,
There lies a tale, both grim and true,
A digital deceit, a modern rue.
In bytes, these poets’ voices blend,
A cautionary tale, a means to an end, In the web of deceit, be wary, be wise,
For in the digital dusk, the gift card scam lies.
So heed these words, a quartet’s refrain,
In the virtual world, let vigilance reign,
For in the mingling of these voices four,
Lies a lesson, a warning, and so much more.