The Power of the Tron

The Power of the Tron 

Said the Big Computer to the Human Computee:
“Without me, sir, you must concur, 
Wherever would you be?
I tally all your numbers, and I even give advice,
Unlike you, I’m objective and predictably precise.

‘Way down my epicenter, I’ve a calculating brain
That can compile, compute, compound, expound, explore, explain.
Oh, don’t you wish you had my wits, if only an iota,
For I’ve more news than I can use - 
I'm programmed to my quota.”

And on and on it carried on, continuing to scoff,
Until the Human Computee reached down and turned it OFF.

And now The Big Computer sits there idle all the day,
Without a boasting, bragging, calculating thing to say,
While on the chair, beside it there, the Human Factor lingers,
Computing trig and calculus by counting on its fingers,
And when its used its fingers up, it can simply transpose
And still deduce, deduct, add up, by counting on its toes!

Take heed, you Mighty IBMs, and other pedigrees,
Before you get too taken with your capabilities –
You may have stores of knowledge; 
You may be an Alpha Tron,
But it’s the Human Digit 
Ultimately 
Turns 
You 
ON.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Watt Avatar
November 17, 2020 at 10:34 AM
Ha! I thoroughly enjoyed this, Mary. The human digit - what a great turnaround! Until computers can figure out how to keep humans from turning them off and on, they are at our mercy. Your wonderful rhymes and rhythms add to the overall fun of this piece. I've dealt with ornery computers all my life and it's nice to get some poetic retribution! Going in my faves, I love your writing, I hope you are still creating. Warm regards ~ John
Dembeck Avatar
November 17, 2020 at 12:53 PM
Goodness, John - you're constantly putting a warm smile on my face! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! Mary :)
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