a robot to dig tunnels
a robot to search tunnels
a robot to carry drugs
a robot to spy
my robot will leave water jugs
a different robot will smash them
there are robots to pick crops
but none yet to watch children
or lay drywall
my robot is for my father
my robot will plant crosses
another robot will smash them
my robot will give directions will say the Lord’s prayer will distribute snacks will give last rites and play funeral music will send a picture home so the family can know
my robot will be smashed to the ground and brought in for parts
in the next life my robot will pick crops will watch children will lay drywall
will always be useful to somebody
Dominica Phetteplace is a math tutor who lives in Berkeley, CA. Her work has appeared in Asimov’s, Clarkesworld and Terraform, among other places. Her website is www.dominicaphetteplace.com
Devilfish Review 