FORE AND NEXT
“Personal Computers?” It seemed far-fetched.
We viewed in awe technology’s stretch.
ENTER THE DEALERS: (with mottos iced)
“Computing Power…but at a price.”
Our british uncle balked and said,
“Z-X-eighty for you instead.”
Computers by mail? “They must be hexed!”
Our Z-X-eighty-one was next.
Like hot cakes running low on syrup,
Timex climbed up in the stirrups.
“We’ll sell two million, maybe more!”
1000s sold in every store.
The market bucked, the market kicked.
“After this licking will Timex tick?”
And can the Spectrum reach the gate?
Is it?…It is!…’the Sixty-eight.”
Sales were brisk, though still in hiding.
(Timex continued right on sliding.)
TI’s door-slam made us swallow.
“Where might we be left to wallow?”
Tomorrow brought unwelcome news:
“You’ve just contracted the Timex Blues.
Sync is sunk, the rumors riz,
I wonder where the info is?”
Amid the flurry ensigns rise….
“We’re not alone; we’ve still some ties!”
Unshelved ‘sixty-eights were humming.
Software titles were slowly coming.
Along came someone who made a “switch”
and saved yet more from being ditched.
Wizard disciples of uncle Clive’s
unveiled the latest: REAL-LIVE-DRIVES!
Indeed not dead, not even dying,
our proud crowd keeps skyward flying.
And shepherd Clive asks of his sheep,
“Are you now ready for Quantum Leap?”
(Thanks to Paul Bingham of Pleasantrees Programming for sharing one of his many talents with us.)