The machine

Are you free or controlled by technology?

On the phone a cold machine

No curtesy lacking apology

just an algorithmic routine

An imitated voice of humanity

driven by its own mechanical goal

seducing our indolence and vanity

its end ultimate control

We suffer an addiction of reliance

Development still embryonic

we never question our compliance

drunk over supper powers electronic

Subtle in deceit

it offers comfort and ease

taking our past winnings it will cheat

future development it does freeze

A god we created now controls us

created artificial bliss and pleasure

Its power we are unable to discuss

a delusional Midas like treasure

Thoughts controlled emotions too

Tomorrow governing when we make love or go to the latrine

following a life form new

only allowed to love the machine

Reviews

[Marie]

It is true that some become addicted to their computer, phone, tablet. Technology is wonderful, in its place. It has its uses and helps us to keep in touch with loved ones who are far away, to make a dental appointment etc, it truly has unlimited advantages, but it needs to be used widely and we need to stay free of its captivating control which is so easy to succumb to if care is not taken. With so much talk about AI, your poem is very timely, dear Soren. NOTHING can be better than a human presence in our life which a phone, tablet, computer cannot give. We need to learn to use technology instead of allowing it to use us. Wonderful, thought provoking write! Thank you for sharing, dear friend...

[Soren]

Thank you again Marie for the read of an older piece. Yes some get addicted and I have seen my own children text each other across the dinner table. I find it not only rude but a way to cut out real relationships. Your comments are always appreciated

[Marie]

Most welcome always, dear Soren. Phones should be banned from the dinner table. I would never allow it because as you say so correctly it kills a loving relationship. Family time together is always needed. Phones are collected in our schools as children come to their class each morning and handed back to them only when they are leaving to go home and it's working out even better than expected. Thank you again for sharing, dear friend...

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I don't even carry my smart phone unless I'm going on a long trip. I like a bit of social computer playtime or gaming. I also like working in my flowers, birdwatching, fishing, camping, berry picking and playing my guitar. I like drawing and cooking and, writing poetry, of course. I like complexity of flavors in my foods and complexity of interests in my life. But you will NEVER find me ignoring a human presence in preference to a machine. Great write that points out a topical pox on too many. Bless, F.

[Soren]

Thanks Fabian for the read if your age does not qualify you you still fall into the older generation in heart. Yes I too would rather experience nature and real human made music than auto tuned, pitch corrected machine beats.

[AYVID N]

This is such a relevant and timely poem, my friend. I have always actually abhorred the metaverse and will never use it unless my company forces me to, for professional reasons. I've never touched ChatGPT and never even been tempted to cast a glance at it. Such stuff dwarfs those who partake of it and retards them as humans. Your poem is written with a strong and strident voice that resonates with me and we both will be the last two standing and fighting AI, I know it, after reading you. It's good to fight against the ongoing current, it's great to be revolutionary. Never give in to the vested interests that want to kill us for their profits. Bravo!

[Soren]

Thank you so much for the review Divya it is most appreciated. What some call progress I do not. I enjoy some technology such as being able to post my poems and turn on a light but some goes too far. Thank you again for the support.