Computers are far from being able to write novels, but they’re skilled enough at snippets and short verses. Which of these six morsels were written by computer programs, and which by humans? And a second question, which I consider unrelated: Which ones give you a sense of engagement with the author? Answers at the end.
(1) Slide and tumble and fall among
The dead. Here and there
Will be found a utensil.
(2) restraining order
cable teevee yuk-inspiring
because i said so.
(3) ink: the hydrant of certitude
(4) overanalyze
heart of glass transmogrify
chmod mucilage
(5) with anger
disgustingly
anal
Look! a
p
ass
able bureau
crat
(6) Salt and pepper, god and slave,
Dig a wormhole for my grave.
Finished thinking? Follow this link to see the answers.
(Years after this, I wrote my own poetry program, Authorial Intent.)
originally written August 1997
last updated March 2010 with the crosslink