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'Machines of Loving Grace' performed The New York Space Ensemble, 1970's, New York City, WBAI

3,092 views · Published 6 October 2010 · 5:31 · Indexed 20 October 2026

Channel: Richard Termini · 2010 · Film & Animation

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All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace (atomic perspective of metal)

 It was decided that the poem 'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace' by Richard Brautigan, would be spoken as the introduction to a piece I had written for the New York Space Ensemble  entitled 'Atomic Perspective of Metal.' The piece was also performed by the rock arm of that organisation called DUNE.

So when we were slated to do the Verna Gillis show on WBAI in 1977 we did just that and here it is presented to you as it was live that night in NYC.  I think this poem has more relevance than ever so I made a little film to go with it in 2010.

Being watched over by "loving" machines or benevolent dictatorial governments or faith based neighborhood watch groups is a very bad thing 

I like to think (and
the sooner the better!)
of a cybernetic meadow
where mammals and computers
live together in mutually
programming harmony
like pure water
touching clear sky. 

I like to think
(right now, please!)
of a cybernetic forest
filled with pines and electronics
where deer stroll peacefully
past computers
as if they were flowers
with spinning blossoms. 

I like to think
(it has to be!)
of a cybernetic ecology
where we are free of our labors
and joined back to nature,
returned to our mammal
brothers and sisters,
and all watched over
by machines of loving grace.

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