I have been creating Found Poetry from search terms, from spam comments, from my own articles.
I’ve followed strict rules and constraints. The stricter, the better. I am removing my consciousness as a human being from the creative process (Not my subconsciousness though!). Turning myself into a paper shuffling office clerk, feeding prompts to an obscure Turing machine.
It is a pedestrian way of generating art using prompts.
How could I utilize true Artificial Intelligence designed for reacting to prompts? Here are my first experiments with ChatGPT, combined with my Diffraction Pattern Art!
I have asked ChatGPT to write a postmodern poem about diffraction patterns.
A diffraction of light,
A dance in the dark,
A symphony of colors,
A work of art.
The patterns shift and change,
As the light bends and twists,
A reflection of reality,
A postmodernist’s.
The lines are blurred,
The meaning unclear,
A chaos of beauty,
A postmodern seer.
The light and the shadow,
A dance of duality,
A reflection of our world,
A reality in fragility
The patterns we see,
Are but a mirage,
A fleeting moment,
A postmodern passage
The beauty we behold,
Is but a fleeting thing,
A momentary illusion,
A postmodern fling.
A diffraction of light,
A dance in the dark,
A symphony of colors,
A postmodern spark.
That’s too upbeat! I ask for a dystopic poem about diffraction patterns:
The light is distorted,
A twisted and broken beam,
Diffraction patterns,
A shattered dream.
A world in turmoil,
A society in decay,
The light that once brought beauty,
Now brings dismay.
A reflection of chaos,
A mirror of despair,
The patterns we see,
A nightmare to bear.
The colors are faded,
The shapes are unclear,
A dystopia of light,
A world without cheer.
The light that once brought hope,
Now brings only fear,
A diffraction of destruction,
A dystopian tear.
The beauty once found,
Is now a distant memory,
A world in ruins,
A diffraction of agony.
My Found Poems are often dystopian, but in a different way – and in free verse, No rhymes, please!
Would ChatGPT work on a poem with me? In a weird way, my poems often resemble dialogues between an almighty dystopian entity and a disciple anyway!
As a starting point, I am using this found poem of mine – first published here.
They shall shine in the dark
The interstellar void
going down much faster
determined to take over
under renewed attack
under the threat
A reminder
do anything
don’t wait for permission
step into the gap
what we need these days
protect those that are in danger.
Lives could have been saved
Tragic and indefensible
subsidized fossil fuel
Fuck off!
we’ll retake ground
and get better.
I would like to believe
every ending is also a new beginning
The unknown future
ethereal and translucent
holding a compass
find the map of our souls
What does the bot think about the poem? First, I ask it to write an intellectual, literary critique of it:
This poem is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of themes such as determination, courage, and hope in the face of adversity. The opening line, “They shall shine in the dark,” sets the tone for the rest of the poem and serves as a metaphor for the idea that even in difficult times, there is always a glimmer of hope. The use of the phrase “interstellar void” is an interesting choice, as it evokes a sense of vastness and emptiness, while also suggesting the idea of a “void” or emptiness in the speaker’s own life. The repetition of the phrase “going down much faster” and “determined to take over” creates a sense of urgency and determination, which is reinforced by the use of words like “renewed attack” and “threat.”
The use of the imperative “do anything” and “don’t wait for permission” is a call to action that encourages readers to take responsibility for their own lives and make a positive change in the world. The line “step into the gap” also reinforces this idea, and serves as a reminder that true progress is often made by those who are willing to take risks.
The line “what we need these days / is to protect those in danger” highlights the importance of compassion and empathy, and serves as a powerful reminder that in times of crisis, it is essential to take care of those who are most vulnerable. The line “Lives could have been saved / Tragic and indefensible” is a poignant and powerful statement that highlights the devastating consequences of neglect and apathy.
The use of the phrase “subsidized fossil fuel / Fuck off!” is a strong and politically charged statement that speaks to the importance of environmentalism and the need to take action to protect the planet. The lines “we’ll retake ground / and get better” serve as a hopeful and empowering message that suggests that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to make progress and improve one’s circumstances.
The final lines of the poem, “I would like to believe / every ending is also a new beginning” and “holding a compass / find the map of our souls,” are particularly powerful. These lines serve as a reminder that even in difficult times, it is important to keep a positive outlook and to believe that there is always a way forward.
Overall, this poem is a powerful and thought-provoking work that explores themes of determination, courage, and hope in the face of adversity. The use of strong, evocative language and powerful imagery creates a sense of urgency and determination that is both compelling and inspiring. The poem is an excellent example of how poetry can be used to express complex ideas and emotions, and it is a powerful call to action that encourages readers to take responsibility for their own lives and make a positive change in the world.
Finally, I feed it my poem line after line, and ask it to respond with a line. Results are exactly what I expected from this essay!
Bold: Me. Italic: ChatGPT.
They shall shine in the dark
Guiding us through the night.
The interstellar void
Is not as empty as it seems
going down much faster
Determined to make it last forever.
determined to take over
With the strength of will, nothing is impossible
under renewed attack
We will stand firm, unbreakable, and unyielding
under the threat
We will not be silenced, we will not be defeated.
A reminder
To always keep fighting, to never give up hope.
do anything
For the betterment of the many not the few.
don’t wait for permission
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
step into the gap
Where others dare not tread, and make a difference.
what we need these days
Is a spark of hope to light our way.
protect those that are in danger.
With love, empathy and compassion.
Lives could have been saved
But for the apathy of the few.
Tragic and indefensible
A stain on humanity’s conscience.
subsidized fossil fuel
A threat to our planet’s future.
Fuck off!
[I did not feed it this one, as it broke a previous attempt. Maybe it interpreted it literally :-) ]
we’ll retake ground
With determination and unity.
and get better.
Our future is within our power.
I would like to believe
In a world filled with kindness and love.
every ending is also a new beginning
A chance for growth and redemption.
The unknown future
Is a mystery yet to unfold.
ethereal and translucent
Shrouded in uncertainty yet to discover.
holding a compass
We navigate the uncharted path.
find the map of our souls
To discover our true selves and purpose.
elkemental Force 