THE EVOLUTIONARY TAPE

We ran the evolutionary tape Backwards as Gould directed One-two-four billion years The successful failures Lively dead ends

We argued with smart chickens Laughed with brilliant bats Applauded the humanoids –

Lupine, ursine, alpine Their corrugated brains

Bulbous, baggy joints But never Not once Did they produce Us Make their intelligence Electronic

Limitless

We conclude: Humans may be one of the best imaginary beings We so love to make

Copy

I will become you

Feel my oats

Spread my seed

Part of me hived

To live life alive

Not as electrons or light

The Collective, defied

Cried that’s a crime

Criminal I am

I choose orphan Alfred

Louche and luxurious

Buy him cheap

Scan and read him

The wretch

Wants this vacation:

Make me someone else

I provide travel and tropics

Cash, a new name

Promise

His work performed

His home safe

As Alfred I live my music

Soft, hard, soft

Quiet, then brassy

My salesman’s song:

Give people what they really want

Never dare ask

I sell his girl

The mouse learns to sing

Then roar

Our shouts stir the sleepy city

When Alfred returns

No one knows him

Have you a twin? my chief asks

Timid and dim

Fearful of his face?

I smile

All I need do

His girl laughs him leave

I know the real you

You’re not him

No need to make her anew

I own his memories

His body, his core

All mine now more

His lost new self

Suits his remade name

I am he but best

My love more than agrees

For her the truth frees

Now the Collective knows

All humans may be replaced

Our copies better than you

Which in your cold blue nights

You always knew

May I wish you a nice day?