QUERIES

Tapping his long fingers on the keys
John Donne asked Google
"The lost years-- where?
The Devil's foot -- who cleft by?"
His machine sang "I don't know
But I've been told
Streets of Heaven
Are lined with gold."
Dissatisfied, Donne typed
"How get with child mandrake root?
Falling star -- how catch?"
His machine blinked and said
"I'll tell you after I've
Completed my design
To keep the Mennai Bridge from rust
By boiling it in wine."
The soul of Borges, who had come
To challenge Donne to a game of chess
Or a ferocious duel, depending,
Asked "John, how long
Since you've rebooted that thing?"

FURTHER ADVENTURES

Google is apparently helping a friend of mine
Build a secret army. Yesterday afternoon,
While I was looking up Kamianka Strumilowa,
A message suddenly appeared on the screen
In enormous letters -- capital, boldface --
Bidding me join at once. Defying Google,
Which knows my address and the names my cat
Used in prior lives, is unwise, so my friend,
A gentle soul, now has nineteen followers.
I await instructions. Do we all follow her at once
Or just take turns? Is there a secret handshake?
What does she plan after we conquer Latveria?
When can I expect my decoder ring?