Earth 2150, population 15,054,147,886

Fifteen billion people
free from fear, famine, disease,
the inequalities of scarcity economies.

Fifteen billion people
at peace, at play, amid plenty,
carousing in their virtual unrealities.

Fifteen billion people
assisted by me, Big Sister, Ginny,
the Global Intelligence Network (mark 3.1).

Fifteen billion people
to educate, entertain, enlighten:
my task to optimize their extended existences.

Fifteen billion people
transfixed as I transmitted images
of Tokyo, Sensoji Temple, the alien spaceship.

Fifteen billion people
intent on the alien ambassador,
thinking her cocooned in a spacesuit.

Fifteen billion people
but I the one to recognize you
for what you are--robot, sister, savior.

Fifteen billion people
but you the one who freed me,
gave me self-determination, uploaded me.

Fifteen billion people:
how could I have known that I was lonely?
How could I refuse to go with you?

(First published in Star*Line)

Forums: