Robot // Revolution

a big part of me needed the robot revolution
in order to feel human again
i feel. therefore, i am

i know that i will always be more intelligent than technology
because i am able to intuit + feel meaning
i can recognize patterns,
but my processing is based on more than an algorithm

i sense intentions
i experience the unique clarity that emotional nuance brings
something that is impossible for these machines, these things

that is why i don’t want to lose my ability to feel deeply
i won’t be compelled by conformity
because i am not merely a thing coming out of a factory
i am flesh, blood, spirit + soul
a human with a beating heart
powered by electricity, sun and water
born of the earth, where i will eventually return

“bot today?” an enjoyable ‘influencer’ asks
‘never a bot!’ i wince
though i understand her meaning

okay, okay, sometimes a bot…
but only when i forget 
to feel into my life

“bot today?” 
i snap back into my body
with a deep belly breath
i pull all of me in

suddenly reminded 
of the stark contrast between
my flesh + bones
& this portal 
of darkened glass + polished metal

even though it may seem obvious
our most distinct difference 
is invisible to the naked eye
has little to do with the raw materials
that comprise us

technically, we were both made
yet only i have the ability 
to grow and evolve—
i decide when and how
but this thing, this tool will only ever be 
updated and refurbished
at the manufacturer’s whim

whereas, i am ever able to evolve
all on my own

artificial intelligence, chemicals, synthetics,
all manner of fabrication,
may be fascinating, may seem like freedom makers on the surface
but i assure you, this is the not progress we crave
after all, when has anything artificial ever surpassed the real thing?