During the United States’ industrial revolution,
Eli Whitney invented interchangeable parts;
Identical components that could be substituted one for another.
This creation was made for machine—
weapons
cars
and other mechanical mysteries.
This isn't the case today.
Hips are interchangeable.
Legs are interchangeable.
Hands and fingers are interchangeable.
Hearts are interchangeable.
Now, not only with man,
but also with machine.
I can’t imagine it will be long before
software updates are reprogramming us,
instead of the devices we hold in our hands.
That we electrocute when wet,
and overheat when used for a long duration of time.
That we can recharge by cord
and turn on and off with the simple click of a button.
A small advancement, interchangeable parts were,
yet they contributed to further blurring the lines
between man and machine.
They call them crops, but they might as well be weeds.
Mr. Eli Whitney found a great way to get rid of those seeds.
Now the supply outstrips the demands and the needs.
All that makes this stuff cheaper by the bale.
Sellers get less money when they make a sale.
None of that makes any difference at all.
I am stuck picking in this field all summer until fall.
Lord, send your winged chariot down to me right away.
I am ready, willing, and able to meet my dying day.
Inspired by Tim Ryerson’s poem “Cotton Pickin’ Paradise”
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