Poem …

     The old man and the computer   

                                 The machine in the ghost

                                 I couldn't remember the name

                                 Of one of the great Irish poets,

                                 So recognizable. known to all.

                                 The name, the name---the name! 

                                 I know the title of one of the poems

                                 I can recite the lines word for word.

                                 I've lived thar poem.

                                 I know that poem as well

                                 As I know anything. 

                                 I had an inspiration, rare these days,

                                 I said, " I'll look it up on the computer!"

                                 In my mind I saw a screen and a keyboard. 

                                 I said " Song of the wandering Aengus. " 

                                 Instant answer. 

                                 " William Butler Yeats!" 

                                 The connection was made 

                                  In a computer that wasn't turned on. 

                                                              C. 2023 Alexander Marshall