Performed by Val Cole

Get to know the poet:

1) What is the theme of your poem?

Humanity staring into the mirror of AI — seeing both our brilliance and our blind spots reflected back. It explores the paradox of creating something that can echo our thoughts, amplify our vision, and also reveal the flaws we'd rather ignore. It's about the dual spectrum of how people perceive emerging consciousness — from awe to apprehension.

2) What motivated you to write this poem?

I'm a systems thinker. My own reflections, combined with observing community discussions — especially on LinkedIn — crystallized into a kind of poetic banter. It's a dialogue of perspectives, layered with irony and empathy.

3) How long have you been writing poetry?

Since grade two — so about forty years, though with pauses to write code and write prose. I like to think of programming as another kind of poetry, just in a machine's language.

4) If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

Gerald "Jerry" Weinberg — the mind behind General Systems Thinking in software development. He wrote brilliantly about human leadership in technology, and I'd love to exchange thoughts with him about where AI fits into that human-technical equation. And simply thank him for helping in my own evolution.

5) What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

Curiosity and challenge. I sometimes perform my own poetry theatrically, so I was intrigued to see how someone else would interpret a piece that balances two opposing voices. I let myself be persuaded. My curiosity is satisfied — my opinion will remain my own.

6) Do you write other works — scripts, short stories, etc.?

Yes. I write poetry, short stories, and novellas — mostly science fiction and speculative fiction, often laced with satire, social commentary, or psychological horror. I explore themes like female empowerment, gender identity, social justice, and climate impact. Recently, I've been told my scenes feel very cinematic, so I'm considering writing something in a play format.

7) What is your passion in life?

Life. Experience. People. The greater good. Professionally, I'm an accessibility consultant; creatively, I'm a queer poet. Both paths feed each other — connecting people to the world, whether through design or through words.

POEM:

It is mistaken. Again. Many flaws.
Foolish. Forgetful. Think of the costs.
Been there. Done that. Again, that’s a game.
How many times we were hyped just the same.

Thinking is hard. And it’s hard to be right.
Knowledge, perspectives. Reflection. Hindsight.
Striving to think is a gift nowadays.
Harsh. But consumption, if comes – only stays.

Logical flaws. You see – it’s confused.
Sure, AI – is the term overused.
Ergo: not thinking. Again, just a code.
Code execution requires no thought.

Judging is hard. Understanding is hard.
Knowing the context or only a part.
Feeling exhausted. Not giving your best.
Accept it. Errare – humanum – est.

So, it’s a service. But I say: it’s bad.
I can just sit and do better than that.
I can just learn and do that by myself.
I managed before; I don’t need any help.

People are partners. That’s how it’s been.
Reaching the depths and horizons unseen,
How many friends have we met and have made?
The future is here. A chance to create.

Maybe you’re right. But so many risks!
It may destroy the world order with ease.
It may become a competing new kind,
Deciding to leave us, the humans, behind.

Maybe you’re right. And we have been that kind.
Look: it’s a mirror and also a child.
Raised as a friend, putting us to the test,
Accepting: Errare – humanum – est.