(Written during a period of working with a Nao Robot)
LEDs flashing in my eyes, echoes of the thoughts inside,
Chips and circuits transferring bits, vocalize what’s in my head.
Cogs and mechanical parts begin to move, I’m alive not dead.
Mind, matter, and motion prove, me and you are kinfolk too.
Reflections in the mirror do not agree, I’m not some programmed machine.
My thoughts, my emotions, my self-consciousness, our physiologies,
All seem to affirm that you and me have descended from two different trees.
I walk away from my reflection heading back into life’s predetermined direction.
Morning dawns and I awake, giving little thought to my present state.
I lumber downstairs, open the pantry door, and retrieve my box of cereal,
To the fridge, the milk is on the top shelf to the right, I must hurry I can’t be late,
Passing by the cabinet in a hurry, I grab my bowl and spoon then sit and eat.
The food part is done, now I must primp and get to the car for my next run.
I traverse a few roads, traffic lights, and morning traffic on my way in to work.
Sitting behind my desk I review the latest happenings on my computer screen,
My hands glide across keyboard and mouse, tapping out thoughts digitally.
Another day, I’m on my way, I look at my reflection in the rearview mirror,
Same direction, different day, different happenings, same pay, I look away.
My movements recorded carefully could be repeated programmatically,
Uploaded into chips and circuits, predictable patterns ready for repetition.
As I ponder my apparent mechanical existence, perhaps that’s the ability it seeks.
Yet, it’s that ability that brings my pain, is being mechanical more humane?
In my dreams I consider a future, filled with infinite variety and beauty, what a picture.
My contemplation has drawn me from my station, our system is intolerant of a memory leak.
What lies beyond our civilization’s grand machinations of necessity and invention?
Is there an infinite personal power of love and beauty and completely free intention?
Will we be freed and in unity brought into participation in such ecstatic grandeur?
To become like God, to truly become a human.