Free Internet!

All the fuss about net neutrality

and trying to keep the internet free—

I’m afraid that is just a fantasy.

I will always pay, as far as I see,

for a modem, cell phone, and smart TV.

But there’s another way. I’ve got the key,

and it doesn’t cost a single penny.

The trick to getting internet for free

is going to a public library.

(I will thank you most politely

not to mention taxes to me.)

Lauretta E. Hertel is a born-and-raised Washingtonian who has enjoyed many years of being a nanny and is looking forward to dedicating more time to writing and photography in her retirement.

SHARING STORIES is a weekly column for and about the 50 plus crowd living in the Puget Sound region. Send your stories and photos to ariele@comcast.net. Tell local or personal stories; discuss concerns around aging and other issues; share solutions, good luck, and reasons to celebrate; poems are fine too. Pieces may be edited or excerpted. We reserve the right to select among pieces. Photos are always a plus and a one-sentence bio is requested (where you live, maybe age or career, retired status, etc.).

SHARING STORIES is featured on http://www.northwestprimetime.com, the website for Northwest Prime Time, a monthly publication for baby boomers, seniors, retirees, and those contemplating retirement. The newspaper can be found in the greater Seattle area and other Puget Sound locations. For more information, call 206-824-8600 or visit http://www.northwestprimetime.com. To find other SHARING STORIES articles on this website type “sharing stories” in the search function above.