I Robot...

Upon the stairway of despair,Complete with broken love affairs
And promises that never came,
But faded with a touch of shame,
A pretty girl with golden hair
And innocence so sadly rare,

Strove to keep her head above
A way of life devoid of love.
Feeling pinned against Life's wall,
She chanced upon a robot tall
And said,
"Please come and share with me Whatever Fate has deemed to be.I'm through with love, done with chances
Spirit crushed by past romances,
Just be a friend in word and deed.

That's all that I shall ever need.""There's not too much from me to learn,"Remarked the robot, in return."Emotions do not form a part of my cold, solid-steel heart.
Whatever maker fashioned me
Did not permit my circuitry
Responsiveness to love or pain

-Your thoughts for me would be in vain.""No matter", spoke the maid. "No more Do I wish passion to explore. Be someone I can come home to When my exhausting day is through. Count yourself a well-worn shoe -A friend that I can slip into . . .Protection from a stone cold floor . . .For this I ask and nothing more."Agreement made, he took her hand And lived the life that she had planned, Always willing, not demanding, Aiding her with understanding
He made her smile with humorous wit(As his restrictions would permit)And, bit by bit, she came to feel That he was more than iron and steel."I love you, robot", she at last

Replied when several months had passed."You're strength and quiet dignity Have brought a wondrous change in me. No more do I feel all alone,
And pray you must be flesh and bone.Deep-set emotions you MUST feelWithin that outer coat of steel!""
If I were able, I would say I'm sorry I was made this way But my design and programmation
Does not provide for that creation Of feelings normal men may feel

That were not born of iron and steel.I told you all this once before.You have no right expecting more.""Go, then!" cried she. "I will not live Beside a fiend who cannot give! Though I be battered by misuse, Misguided trust and strong abuse,
At least the men I chose were realAnd had the power to love and feel.

Of all the lovers I recall, You are the cruelest one of all!
"The robot, indestructible, Continues freely and at will. Emotionless, apparently, But, bearing closer scrutiny, One can see a small tear streak Down that cold, metallic cheek As I reflect upon my life . . .That lovely lady was my wife.

The robot, of course, was me.