Only Human

You handed me a knife and told me to chop—
to fill you with something delicious
and satisfy your hunger pangs.
But I forgot
that you don’t like my cooking.
I’m only human.
Here’s a microwave.
She’ll cook whatever you’d like.
She’s always on time.
Never leaves you cold.
She’s unwaveringly obedient.

You gave me a voice and told me to sing—
to fill the air with your favorite song
and so I hummed a simple melody.
But I forgot
that you prefer techno.
I’m only human.
Here’s an iPhone.
She’ll sing whatever you’d like.
She won’t talk back.
Never misses a beat.
She’s unwaveringly obedient.

You gave me religion and told me to love—
to fill the world with your gospel
and make love like a god.
But I forgot
that you don’t like the way I make love.
I’m only human.
Here’s a sex doll.
She’ll love however you’d like.
She’s always available.
Never has desires.
She’s unwaveringly obedient.

You have your empire of vast technology—
to fill your kingdom with drones
that obey every key stroke.
Surrounded by
microwaves,
smart phones,
sex dolls,
and maybe I never belonged
in your techno-fantasy.
After all, I’m not a machine.
I’m only human.