The first time I encountered a robot machine
Was in a deserted street in Milton Keynes.
I was making my way through a bland shopping mall
When the robot passed by, like some strange magic ball.
The sudden appearance of the automaton
Gained my full attention, and I stopped to look on
At the sleek new design and its enamelled curves
And I wondered what mission, what purpose it served
In that uncanny moment I perceived its intent
As it pressed on ahead to the point it was sent
It showed no concern at my rapt fascination
Programmed to continue regardless of humans, to its destination.
Other robots I had previously observed
Looked static and harmless, no jangling of the nerves
Exhibited in museums, and limited in their reach
Yet this device was free to range through deserted streets
And I wondered as I watched it pass eerily by
Along the darkened streets of MK, oblivious to the gaze of my eye
Whether any intelligence, malevolent or kind
Could ever exist inside such a digital mind.
Was in a deserted street in Milton Keynes.
I was making my way through a bland shopping mall
When the robot passed by, like some strange magic ball.
The sudden appearance of the automaton
Gained my full attention, and I stopped to look on
At the sleek new design and its enamelled curves
And I wondered what mission, what purpose it served
In that uncanny moment I perceived its intent
As it pressed on ahead to the point it was sent
It showed no concern at my rapt fascination
Programmed to continue regardless of humans, to its destination.
Other robots I had previously observed
Looked static and harmless, no jangling of the nerves
Exhibited in museums, and limited in their reach
Yet this device was free to range through deserted streets
And I wondered as I watched it pass eerily by
Along the darkened streets of MK, oblivious to the gaze of my eye
Whether any intelligence, malevolent or kind
Could ever exist inside such a digital mind.
Steve Wheeler © 21 June, 2020
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