Automated Alerts

An automated alert shows up on my screen

Distracting me further, although distracted, I’ve already been

This pop-up reminder is intended to be a benevolent guide

To nudge me to take the “right” step- and dutifully abide

By whatever the system has reminded me to do

I am error-prone and forgetful, that much is true

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I must not deviate from the guidelines

Therefore, the automated alert system has been designed

To ensure near-perfect compliance

But when messages interrupt my work, I act in defiance

And refuse to pay attention to its content

To ignore distractions is my underlying intent

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Automated alerts are supposed to help but they do not

They add to distractions, they annoy me a lot

I just close them without acknowledging what they say

And go on with the rest of my alert-free day