"All Watched over by Machines of Loving Grace"

Richard Brautigan begins his poem with thoughts that appear to be quite ironic. Within his wishes he incorporates scenarios that most people would not regard as normal. The poem suggests that an ideal world would consist of a place where technology and nature could go hand and hand. For example, in lines 13 and 14 of the second stanza he writes,

“where deer stroll peacefully
past computers. ”

But on the contrary, those lines themselves seem as if they were a form of sarcasm.
A world where computers, advanced technology, beautiful nature, and forests can all live side by side seems too extreme and impossible. It is as if the poet is using reverse psychology with the reader to see if the reader will question the scenarios of nature and technology. Advancements in technology are not always beneficial to the environment, especially when hazardous, non decomposable materials are used. Since the world that Brautigan describes in his poem is highly unlikely, it gives off that impression that an anti-technology message is given in the poem.

But perhaps Brautigan is aware that technology is becoming a big part of society, and its better that it becomes nature’s friend rather than over powering nature. Within the poem there are lines in the third stanza that discuss the option of technology taking labor of the hands of people, which then gives people more time to enjoy nature. This gives the illusion that being pro-technology is good because it makes lives easier and leaves more time to enjoy leisure activities.

The world described in the poem seems soothing, but at the same time too good to be true. Today’s society seems to be controlled by technology, whether it be with cell phones, computers, or ipods. It would be nice if one day people could push their technological devices to the side and enjoy the free things found all around.