For today’s Ethical ELA Open Write, host Gayle Sands invited poets to compose “important thing” poems. She offered this form, based on the boiled-down essence of children’s books and Aristotle’s philiosphy on the accidental purpose of things:

• Begin with:  “The important thing about __________ is that ________________”.
• Follow with:  An assortment of supporting facts and ideas
• End with:  “But the important thing about  _______________ is that _______________”.

The poem could be about an object, person, concept, or belief. Anything.

For some reason, AI came to mind.

As it happens, Two Writing Teachers offered a suggestion for today’s Slice of Life Story Challenge: Write about a time you felt fear.

Many people fear AI.

So here we are.

The Important Thing About AI

The important thing about AI
is that it can do 
so many important things. 

It can
plan your lesson
make your presentation
craft your poem (in any form you choose)
write your dissertation
and your novel.

It can
compose your music
reinvent your image
create believable deepfakes
of visuals and news
that fit perfectly
in the alternate reality
of your preference.

It can
design your clothes
your house
your city
your travel
your vehicle
your financial portfolio
pretty much anything.

But the important thing
about AI is
that it’s the tool

not the builder.

Photo: pexels.com

*******

with thanks to Gayle and the vitally important communities at Ethical ELA and Two Writing Teachers