At a time Like this - (A Poem About AI)

By Howard Wimshurst

Look at where

our tolerance of AI

has gotten us.

Now I must say this:

No AI was used in the making of this poem. -

Because I respect you,

and I respect myself.

If I tried to show you AI,

and claimed it was enscribed by my mind,

I'd be treating you like a dirty rag,

not a fellow human - like myself,

starving for something truthful.

To lie to you - at a time like this,

would be dunking your head in corrosive acid,

and strolling off as it sizzles,

after you asked for bread and water.

And while I have your attention, I must say this:

If you ever attempt to show me AI,

claiming it was enscribed by your mind,

that's an acid scar that won't wash off for the rest of our lives.

You can call me petty,

but I promise you, I will remember it forever.

You can try to cover it,

but it will lie there waiting, threatening your good name.

This is not a threat, this is a promise.

You can call me irrational. That won't change the fact,

That I can never forget a liar.

You can lie to me,

and I can never trust you again.

You can call this an extreme measure, but we need this.

Look at where our willingness

to start fresh with liars

has gotten us.

No AI was used in the making of this poem.

Author's Comment

I wrote this poem after I had to consider adding to the credits of my film "No AI was used in the making of this film".

-Howard Wimshurst