I can remember when you just plugged in a TV

and placed an antenna on top

in those days we only had two channels

deciding what to watch was easy

today our smart TV and internet comes via cable

we have thousands of channels

and the ability to play music throughout the house

I wonder if the extra choice is enriching my life

of course this is no longer plug and play

we have seven electronic boxes in a media cabinet

routers bridges amplifiers switches and modems

all linked by miles of spaghetti wiring

lights wink at me when I open the cabinet 

some flashing blue others white and green

I have no idea what they are telling me

I wonder if they stop winking when the cabinet door is closed