Pikasho-Deka

Digital Smiles by E. Hughes is a thought-provoking collection of poems that offer sharp commentary on a few increasingly relevant social issues. "Birds of Prey" calls out those in the internet forums who prey on people's fears and insecurities to further their own interests. The titular poem "Digital Smiles" sheds light on those in power who use their influence on the social media landscape to drive us apart and distort the truth to manufacture their own reality. "I'm Little and I'm Scared" is a heartbreaking poem about a child trapped in the middle of a warzone. In "Just Biding My Time," the narrator longs for freedom from the everyday struggles of life. In "Following the Leader," the narrator touches upon the relationship between leaders and their followers and wonders if the world wouldn't be a better place if neither existed. With this stimulating collection of poems, E. Hughes draws attention to the darker aspects of social media and a few relevant societal issues that the world faces today. Digital Smiles offers readers some much-needed uncomfortable truths, ignoring which might lead to dire consequences for future generations to come. Using both free verse and rhyming stanzas, Hughes provides readers with keen insights into human behavior and modern society that not only seem astute but also very poignant. Each poem is unique and brings something of its own to the larger narrative. I enjoyed every poem, and I think "Meta News" perfectly encapsulates the overall tone of this collection. If you're someone who enjoys poetry with a healthy dose of meta-commentary, I highly recommend Digital Smiles.