Is AI-generated poetry better than mine? I am pretty sure the answer is yes. But if I were writing to express my soul to another, so that they could experience the fullness of my expression, and I outsourced it to AI, do they get me? Will they ever get me? Or do I get them by offering a version of myself that is AI-aided? One could argue that I created a unique prompt. I engineered the outcome in my way. Maybe I will get there someday, but for now, it feels inauthentic.
My Poem….
What can you do?
And just like that, I became a long-distance dad
This makes me feel sad
He left to learn
I’m left learning how to make a life again
I’m happy for my son and wish him well
But without him, I often say “what the hell?”
“What can you do?”
When things get tough, this is his grown-up approach
A sentiment that is above reproach
I tried reframing
From empty nester to free nester, I told myself
It helped my head, but not my heart
What can you do?
Maybe the answer is not in the doing
What can you be? I ask myself
I can be grateful, I can be present,
I can remind myself that he is my life’s present
What can he do? Just wait and see
He will do wonders, he will be wonderful
Until then, I will say, “What can you do?” and wander on.
Here is what AI gave me…
Across the miles, my heart still calls,
To the boy I raised within these walls.
Five years gone, yet every day,
I miss your laughter, your gentle way.
India’s sun rises, but you’re far away,
In a world of your own, chasing dreams each day.
Though oceans part us, my love won’t fade—
You’re always with me, no matter the grade.
Empty nest, but memories fill the space,
I’m proud of you, yet long for your embrace.
Until we meet, know this is true:
No distance can dim how much I miss you.
But what about more serious stuff? If it were a matter of life and death, would I not want the best that technology can offer? Even in this context, it’s not a ‘man versus machine’ contest. It’s a ‘man and machine’ combination that works. Getting adept at embracing new technologies and honing a human skill are not mutually exclusive. A robotic surgery is still performed by a surgeon. The question I was told to ask is “How many robotic surgeries has the person performed?”. In that sense it’s about getting adept and good at using the new technology. A steady hand and a sharp mind are still a must. It replaces a sharp scalpel; the hand, however, still must guide the robotic arm. The Hippocratic oath must be upheld by the doctor, focussing on patient autonomy, confidentiality, and the obligation to do no harm. The soul once again comes sharply into focus.
Embracing AI to enhance efficiency is a must. Staying human and embracing my limitations must also remain a priority. What can you do? Be human. Be real. Be yourself. And be brave and explore all that technology can offer, but don’t get so dependent on it that you lose yourself.
Just because we can, does it mean we should use AI everywhere and all the time? My take is that we must embrace the opportunity to learn how to drive this new technology. Then we must exercise our judgement on when it’s best to walk, jog, cycle, or take the car for a spin. Knowing how to drive is liberating and enabling. But it does not mean that we must drive up every mountain. Some climbs are to be enjoyed as treks on your own two feet. Like poetry – good or bad, it’s the joy of finding my own words to express myself to my son. It does not have to be perfect, but it has to come from my heart and my hands. Knowing when to move on my own and knowing when to work with the aid of a machine is going to be the skill to master soon. And then having the discipline to exercise self-control and not always take the easy way or the quicker route is what will build true strength over time.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
