How do you read a Messenger disposition?

How do you read a Messenger disposition?
How can you measure the mood of a text?
How do you tell what the email is feeling?
How can you know just what to say next?

SHOUTING and *emphasis* can do a little,
Smilies and square brackets offer some hints,
But ::movement:: and trail-off’s can only go so far…
It’s behind the code the reality is.

You can’t read eyes behind messenger screens,
You can’t see the faces as hands tap the keys,
You can’t hear the crying, though it may be there,
You’ve got nothing but data to show that you care.

True emotions don’t often lend well to a text,
The smilies of email can’t comfort or vex,
‘How r u?’ doesn’t ask,
‘Wassup?’ will not tell,
If you really want answers,
Emotions then, well…

Break with 2000,
Get off the net,
Talk to your loved ones.
You’ll be surprised what you get.