Lucky Dip Number 39
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Requiem For a Computer
Little did I think, my faithful friend, When I sent you away for repair I soon was to hear you had met your end While under their surgical care. For eight full years you attended my needs While your own were simple and few I doubt your replacement ever succeeds In giving better service than you. While staying with me you showed little sign Of the troubles you must have endured For the faults you displayed seemed quite benign And I thought they could quickly be cured. I only discerned the extent of your pain When the repair shop rang to say Some long-term memory they could not retain And proposed to excise away. New memory, inserted the old to replace, You decided at first to disown Until they agreed to slow down its pace To a speed that would match your own. Happy the call I received that said You were ready for me to collect But a short time later another was made I'd been given no cause to expect. Another test they'd decided to run And from tone of voice I could tell This was something they'd only begun As all might still not be well. The news next day when I enquired Was not what I wanted to learn For the test results it now transpired Had given much cause for concern. Deep hypnosis they carried out Your operating system to renew But why did I let them mess you about For the little good it would do? Your short-term memory too had failed When they tried to bring you around And your thoughts, whatever within you prevailed, Were oblivious to all your surround. Strength enough I had hoped you'd retain When you and I came to part So that charity use might still remain To gladden your tender heart. Perhaps the selfless choice was your own To calmly await your end And spare me the sight of you suffering on My faithful helpful friend. |