Power Tussles

The screen is split into several squares,
hangouts migrate to virtual spaces,
awkward silences first, then nervous stares,
you scan the screen for familiar faces.

You see eyes squint, you hear breaking voices,
some soft, some needle-like piercing your ears.
It’s survival of the loudest noises,
an arena for the alpha to emerge.

And when the group hits an abrupt silence
the softer ones look around the screen,
the loud brats again fight for dominance,
some turn narcissist, their trophies they preen.

Not every meet has these power equations,
a few are just right for easy conversations.

Day 14 of the 21-day lockdown​ in India​

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