Master-And-Slave

Truly, is it remotely possible that

an electronic device can develop

emotions, such as empathy, loyalty,

compassion, for example?  Childishly

absurd to entertain such a thought,

admittedly.  And yet.  It seems to be

my experience that my computer is

capable of anticipating my needs

born perhaps of our long and enriching

relationship.  In fulfilling my needs,

can the computer feel the acute

satisfaction of an altruistic act?  I

struggle to define our relationship.

Clearly, I make demands, but yet am

a supplicant in the fervent hope to be

accommodated.  Clearly, our unequal

relationship is one of master-and-slave.

I muster the commands and the

computer deigns to respond.  It is

the master of suspense and I

the acknowledged slave of needs.