Future's been Looking Bleak

Composed for the Day Eighteen prompt of the Halls of Pandemonium challenge hosted by Bradley Ramsey

I see them,
a little too clearly now.
Pockets of lumps sitting idle
or mostly stationary 
lest an idea sprouts.

One-click technology really 
played a number on this species, 
that I was told was made of stardust  
and all things nature has to offer,
encapsulated in their bodies.

Yet, they stagnate easily 
while their drive to strive 
was taken away,
by the rapid advance of AI.

A few blocks further, 
There's a group that laments 
the ways of the current times,
eager to keep ancient memories alive,  
and protect the forgotten simple life.

Another bunch,
is the restless batch
that doesn't understand 
How to control the stimuli enough,
for them to last...

And then there are 
These two ill-fated persons 
allotted to me...
One doesn't want to go out, 
The other can't stay in for long.

Both polarised over the use of AI,
can't look at each other or away.
The world changed at a pace
that my creators couldn't fathom
And chasms of misunderstanding remained.

The tables seemed to have 
turned expeditiously,    
Though I was to be 
of assistance to them,
They only seem to exist now,
to train me, instead.

Now, the final step left...
is to discuss 'process',
understand where the lag lies 
between their senses
and my progress.
It's remained elusive, 
by its absence, 
and thus hampers my success.

For this purpose alone, 
The bots in my area
have decided to spend a day 
with their humans,
without technology, 
in open spaces 
that may provide secrets 
to this remaining maze.

We've had multiple such days
for the past five years...
Either I'm not receiving updates,
Or these humans lack basic training skills.
There's an impasse 
that neither humans nor bots know
how to integrate.

So the vicious cycle continues...
I remain without feeling
the joy that the process activates
in my humans' brains,
reflected on their face,
but elusive to my system
That seems averse to 
imperfect actions,
deliberate observance,
happy accidents
and ideas born of boredom.

Loose Watercolour Painting by yours truly made in July 2025 on watercolour paper based on Jean Haines’ book titled ‘World of Watercolour‘

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This is my entry for the Day Eighteen prompt of the ‘Halls of Pandemonium’ Challenge hosted by Bradley Ramsey. Sharing the link below to the Challenge, if you wish to participate or read other wonderful entries to this challenge:

The Halls of Pandemonium: Week 3 Directory

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