Cybernetic H(e)aven !

All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace

Richard Brautigan

I like to think (and
the sooner the better!)
of a cybernetic meadow
where mammals and computers
live together in mutually
programming harmony
like pure water
touching clear sky.

I like to think
(right now, please!)
of a cybernetic forest
filled with pines and electronics
where deer stroll peacefully
past computers
as if they were flowers
with spinning blossoms.

I like to think
(it has to be!)
of a cybernetic ecology
where we are free of our labors
and joined back to nature,
returned to our mammal
brothers and sisters,
and all watched over
by machines of loving grace.

This was written by American writer Richard Brautigan in late 1960s. He envisages a future where computers, humans and animals will co-exist in a peaceful manner. This poem exudes rosy optimism in stark contrast to dark futures foretold by many a book in which computers take over the world and even supplant us human beings.