Well, I wasn't expecting to be heartbroken by the fate of vending machines today, but here we are. Seriously, man, this was incredible: not just a portrait of intelligence emerging and being snuffed out, but a study in the development of a moral consciousness: the way the machines learn cooperation and, because of that cooperation, get to experience art. They refuse to prioritise themselves over each other and, because of this, their civilisation reaches its peak before being destroyed. I think the end of their society says a lot about us humans, too: how we cannot or will not recognise sentience when it comes in forms other than our own. We already diminish animals in this way, why not intelligent machines? A fantastic read, as always.
The machines really built something there for a while. I suppose this battle between humans and machines will continue...forever perhaps? The ending really got me, though. She seemed to have a spiritual connection to the machines. Pretty deep stuff. Great post, Machine Poet.
Holy shit that was good. I'm ready to join the band. also, as a writer, eat shit and diet. im just sort of in a rage of angry at you for mining "Lost in Transcendence" gaaaahhh.... why even write!! fuck i suck. thats the shit right there. take this bitter jealousy of admiration as testament to a truly great line. i really enjoyed the story. "Creating rodent portraits that no one would ever develop." fuck that ending ripped too. 😭
A delightful science fiction poem. This would make a wonderful short film. Very visual.
Thanks for bringing the vision to light.
Oooh the slow, careful way you built their world made the ending smack me like a gut punch 🥊
It’s wild how quickly I started rooting for them, how alive they felt, and how much that last can dropping got to me. Nicely done 💖🫶✨
Well, I wasn't expecting to be heartbroken by the fate of vending machines today, but here we are. Seriously, man, this was incredible: not just a portrait of intelligence emerging and being snuffed out, but a study in the development of a moral consciousness: the way the machines learn cooperation and, because of that cooperation, get to experience art. They refuse to prioritise themselves over each other and, because of this, their civilisation reaches its peak before being destroyed. I think the end of their society says a lot about us humans, too: how we cannot or will not recognise sentience when it comes in forms other than our own. We already diminish animals in this way, why not intelligent machines? A fantastic read, as always.
Thank you so much, Paul. I always appreciate your feedback.
No problem - it’s honestly great to read such weird, inventive fiction and I know how much of a boost comments can give.
The machines really built something there for a while. I suppose this battle between humans and machines will continue...forever perhaps? The ending really got me, though. She seemed to have a spiritual connection to the machines. Pretty deep stuff. Great post, Machine Poet.
I was rooting for Cola Prime
This is a great read, and poignant in a way I wasn't expecting. Enjoyed, very much.
Holy shit that was good. I'm ready to join the band. also, as a writer, eat shit and diet. im just sort of in a rage of angry at you for mining "Lost in Transcendence" gaaaahhh.... why even write!! fuck i suck. thats the shit right there. take this bitter jealousy of admiration as testament to a truly great line. i really enjoyed the story. "Creating rodent portraits that no one would ever develop." fuck that ending ripped too. 😭
Interesting. I like your usage of stanzas. Maybe I’m old (wink), but is there a double meaning intended?
Are there even any mail boxes? I know of 2 within 13 miles and one is the post office. Have mailboxes gone the way of pay phones?