by Miriam N. Kotzin

“Gen Alpha Boys Are Ditching Real Girls for AI Companions (and It Could Ruin Their Lives, Expert Says)”
—Vice

In looks, young Mia will be fair
as she unnerves the teenage boy:
“Oh, I might have to wash my hair.”
He hangs on “might”—she’s less than coy.

She can be tactless, may attack:
“Why must you wear that shirt tonight?
I hate that shirt.”
Cut me some slack,
he thinks. Says, “Sorry.” He’s polite.

The music slows. He wants to dance
with her. He wants…. He starts to ask.
“This song is lame.”
So no romance.
“Yeah, no.” He readjusts his mask.

Bot Emily is willing, free.
He gladly pays the upgrade fee.