In the Next Life, Canto II, stanzas 57-60

If I allow myself to question why
a sacrifice is called for, and to whom,
there is no reason that I should not try
to reach some deeper cobwebs with that broom.

Yes, some things are too frightening to touch.
My faith in One, of course, will never fall.
My wish to reproduce: not quite as much.
My hatred of the Starfolk: least of all.

Despite the lessons I’ve been taught, I know
there’s no good reason not to work and play
with others like us. That their shells should show
another sign is not a sin, I’d say.

The wisdom is they worship One a way
that differs from our own in some respects,
but why not let them pray the way they pray,
while we pray ours and show them who connects?

’Tis said the learners would become bemused
were they to watch the worship from without,
but surely now, the rites to which they’re used
are strong enough to overcome the doubt.

©2010 Louis A. Merrimac

Learners: The machines still think of themselves as being in learning mode when they’re initially switched to autopilot, even though the ‘teachers’ were under the control of the insiders only for a short time after the carriers emerged from the ocean.