‘Cause I Have a Soul

Today I read in World magazine,

Of a truly gifted rhyming machine.

Called ‘Deep-Speare’ – ‘twas named for the bard,

It writes poems; but that’s not so hard!

You start with one word, and then add another.

Stay in your meter – what’s all the bother?

A bit lower than angels I was created,

So far above Macs I must be rated.

This theory of mine we’ll put to the test,

My poem against ‘it’s’ – which will be best?

Deep-speare’s attempt will be given first

I am quite sure it will be the worst:

“Shall I behold him in his cloudy state,

For just but tempteth me to stop and pray;

A cry: if it will drag me, find no way

From pardon to him, who will stand and wait.”[1]

Deep, to be sure, in a post-modern way.

But what the poem means – no one can say!

Now here is my off’ring – much simpler fare;

And I trust that your judgment my rhyming can bear:

This Sunday at church a new series will start –

Taught by a man with a true pastor’s heart.

And I promise you friends – you will not be bored;

For our teacher will be our own dear John Ford!

The class will begin at half past nine,

Come a bit late – that will be fine.

But if you don’t make it, you will be missed;

So from your late slumbers – cease and desist!

Now away from me Mac – and you pesky PC;

Your mere electronics do not impress me.

Matching rhythm and phonics is your highest goal,

But I intend meaning – ‘cause I have a soul.

Your Pastor,

Bob Bjerkaas

[1] M.C., “Artificial Shakespeare,” World Magazine, September 29, 2018: p. 57.