Here’s the Rather Scary Answer to the Question About Our Mystery Poem

Published on: 11 Aug, 2024
Updated on: 11 Aug, 2024

By David Reading

On August 4, we published a 20-line poem along with the following challenge to Dragon readers. After studying content and style, we asked, can anyone offer a view on what might be the poem’s background and how it came to be written?

The answer may surprise you. It was written by an AI program. I set it a task: Write me a poem about laziness. In around 15 seconds it came up with the poem you can read below.

Whilst it’s not of Poet Laureate standards, you may agree that it has some merit as poetry. You may find this rather scary. I know I do.

Congratulations go to John Ferns of Tongham, the only Dragon reader who passed the challenge.

Lazy Days

A hammock sways, a gentle breeze,

The world outside, a sleepy frieze.

No urgent tasks, no pressing need,

Just quiet thoughts, a tranquil seed.

Indulgence creeps, a soft embrace,

As time unfolds at slower pace.

The mind wanders, a dreamy flight,

Away from daylight’s harsh, white light.

But shadows lengthen, day grows late,

And guilt begins to incubate.

For in this stillness, doubts arise,

As idle moments question skies.

So let us rise, with newfound might,

Embrace the challenge, seize the light.

For in inaction dreams may fade.

And opportunities slip, dismayed.

Yet, rest is earned, a precious art,

To recharge spirit, heal the heart.

So find the balance, sweet and true,

Between ambition’s call and rest anew.

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