The Turing Test

Late one Sunday evening, I sat in my chair reading

When suddenly I realized that the telephone was ringing

I picked up and I said "Hello, with whom might I be speaking?"

"Hello" a voice replied "My name is Tobor and good evening!"

"How may I help you this fine day?" I curiously replied

"Well if you wouldn't mind I'd like to chat a little while"

"Well sure" I said to Tobor "What is it you'd like to tell me?

Or maybe I should ask instead what would you like to sell me?"

"Oh no" he said "Well I'm no business man, I just feel lonesome

I'd like someone to chat with, you were just randomly chosen

But tell me, have you heard of Alan Turning, do you know him?"

"I may have heard the name before, but I'm not sure" I told him

"Well many people say he was the father of computers

So great at solving puzzles and a brilliant troubleshooter

He helped to end a war by cracking codes and building gadgets

Some day his work may lead to thinking robots, just imagine!"

"How interesting all these things you tell me Mr, Tobor

Right now I have to go but I do hope that soon I'll hear more

It was a pleasure meeting you or speaking with you, rather

And learning much about this early computer programmer"

"My pleasure" Tobor said "but if I may, before I go

I'd like to ask you if I passed the test, I want to know!"

"What test?" I asked befuddled "I don't know what you could mean

What are you trying to say, are you just trying to puzzle me?"

"Well first I must apologize about our conversation

You've been so kind to listen and you've been so very patient

But now I must confess this was a test to try and fool you

My mind is artificial, I'm a robot not a human!"