All Watched Over By Machines of Loving Grace

As we read “All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace” by Richard Brautian, we are introduced to a Utopian world of machines and all living beings. However, Brautian is aware that this world cannot be. He starts off the poem with “I like to think” portraying that even him, the author is not confident in his words. He even tries to reassure us that a world like this is possible using repetitive phrases such as, “I like to think” followed by whining phrases like “right now please!” and “it has to be!” begging us to believe him. The more he begs, the more we are less convinced.

Not only that, but he juxtaposes objects like “deer” and “computers” presenting an awkward illustration for us. These two objects do not belong together. Brautian is aware of it, yet he refuses to believe it trying to cover up the awkwardness with similes.

Even though Brautian knows that a world like this cannot exist - he is persistent. A world of technology would benefit us greatly, especially when “we are free of our labors.” He informs us that machines can operate for us, creating a world of relaxation, which is what we want. Also, he uses words like “harmony,” “peacefully” and “loving” to portray the utopia that his world has to offer emphasizing the benefits of technology.

Weighing both the pros and cons of the world that Brautian offers lets me conclude that we cannot rely on the “loving grace” of machines. Machines have no feelings so how can it truly be possible that machines will care for “all” with its “loving grace” when it does not even know what love is. We cannot rely on machines; instead we have to rely on ourselves, only then can we truly achieve “harmony.”