Cybernetics

In the Israel of the future

All Jewish robots will wear electronic yarmulkes

And Palestinian ones Wi-Fi-enabled keffiyehs.

In the Iran of the future, no robot will be tempted by another’s flowing locks:

They’ll all be fitted with approved (inorganic) cocks.

North Korea's chief exports are wigs, false beards, eyebrows, and eyelashes,

Which barber robots will reap from the masses.

While in the Ireland of the future,

Robots will chant, “Mea culpa, mea

maxima culpa!” in factories and shops,

And recite, unfailing, 24/7,

twelve Hail Marys on the hour.

O world, what then, a wondrous place,

With little left to sour, or disgrace!

Monday, January 20 2025