John Anderson Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

The Universal Instant Translator - DHR

I opened the box with joy in my heart.
The label said in quaint old English lettering:
"Universal Instant Translator"

I pulled back the lid and there it was—
A tiny lapel pin, like a badge, or a nameplate.
And a tiny earplug. 
I fitted both without delay.

The simple instructions said:
Ask your guest: "How are you?" or some such phrase.
When they reply—even a few small words will do, 
Whether they've understood you or not—
I just need their voice to begin.

Now I have all I need, 
to instantly translate for both of you.
Next time you speak, whisper softly;
You'll hear me shape the words aloud 
in the listeners native language— 
Instantly, and with no delay— 
while your lips are still forming the sounds.

likewise, when they speak, 
in their own language,
you'll instantly hear what they say 
flow into your ears, in your native tongue. 

The longer the conversation goes,
the better my translation becomes, 
for both the speaker and the listener alike—
An instant “speak-easy,” if you please!

Stand by for the next update!
A full into the brain transplant!
Coming to Heads - In Real Time Soon!

So speak away, hear away— 
the talking is so easy now,
Every border has begun to fade
We all speak and everyone understands, instantly!
We hear whatever they want to say.

Language, dialects and accents
become irrelevant, as perhaps they should be—
for all of us can now join in
the universal conversation,
that brings the whole world near.

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