Fred's Other Class

I went back for another dose of knowledge from our Fred

And all the stuff I learned is running rampant through my head.

Layers was the class this time, and I finally think I know

Just how to put a friendly face on a big ripe red tomato.

We moved the clocks and keyboards and the bearings all around

Added some letters and arrows, as well as a shape quite round.

Those marching ants all came back too but now I’ve learned the way

To make them behave their pesky selves or send them all away.

Barry controlled the mouse this time while Fred told what to do

The rodent wouldn’t cooperate – chaos for a minute or two.

The eyes not what they used to be, the easy point and click,

With distance between, (some shakes as well), became more miss than hit.

Trouble was, when we all clicked, if the place was a little bit wrong

The picture did much more than change – it was often completely gone.

The shock of this made panic set in and arms waved high and wild

Fred sorted it all with a click or two, his manner still calm and mild.

Some computers then chose to rebel and adopted a will of their own

They did some complicated things we hadn’t yet been shown.

Fred came round and fixed each glitch, still with a smile and a click

“It’s time for a cuppa” he told us all, “but we have to be real quick”

“There’s lots of work still to be done if we’re to get through on time.”

So back we went to try to bring our reluctant ants in line.

As we worked on, Fred’s voice as guide, it became so wonderfully clear –

If I don’t want Boof in a picture – I can make him disappear.