The Homework Machineby Shel Silverstein
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The Homework Machine
by Shel SilversteinThe Homework Machine,
Oh, the Homework Machine,
Most perfect
contraption that's ever been seen.
Just put in your homework, then drop in a dime,
Snap on the switch, and in ten seconds' time,
Your homework comes out, quick and clean as can be.
Here it is— 'nine plus four?' and the answer is 'three.'
Three?
Oh me . . .
I guess it's not as perfect
As I thought it would be. -
The Homework Machine
by Shel SilversteinThe Homework Machine,
Oh, the Homework Machine,
Most perfect
contraption that's ever been seen.
Just put in your homework, then drop in a dime,
Snap on the switch, and in ten seconds' time,
Your homework comes out, quick and clean as can be.
Here it is— 'nine plus four?' and the answer is 'three.'
Three?
Oh me . . .
I guess it's not as perfect
As I thought it would be.This poem was published in the 1981 book "A Light In The Attic". It is accompanied by an illustration therein.
ref https://www.insightfultroll.com/blog/2025/12/30/homework-machine/

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This poem was published in the 1981 book "A Light In The Attic". It is accompanied by an illustration therein.
ref https://www.insightfultroll.com/blog/2025/12/30/homework-machine/

@nivex Reality check in 2026: The part where the protagonist revises their enthusiasm because of the wrong answer is revealed to be unduly optimistic.
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