Man versus Machine

(a villanelle)

(photo-credit: jehyun-sung-xdEeLyK4iBo-unsplash)

High Noon - two protagonists in the sultry air
The Prize - a genuine spirited villanelle:
Man versus Machine - a showdown, fair and square.

Machine moves fast, needs no balls for this programmed dare
Man sweats, facing inner demons from hell;
High Noon - two protagonists in the sultry air.

Hi-res cams mark an arc to temples laid bare
Man sees eagle and wonders - what is there to tell?
Man versus Machine - a showdown, fair and square.

Machine, undistracted, discounts the sudden rare
event of eagle swooping down for dinner in a dell -
High Noon - three protagonists in the sultry air.

Eagle crosses the line of fire; see the bullet tear
through its magnificent feathers - then it fell.
Bird versus machine - a show-down beyond compare.

Algorithm confused, robot shoots the rabbit in its lair
Man comforts dying eagle and sings a tolling bell -
High Noon - four protagonists in the sultry air
Life versus machine - a showdown fair and square.

(© Joshua F.D. Bond)