Of gods out of machines (IP)

thinking about the original usage* of the phrase (that I suppose led to the usage for plot devices), and some other possibilities

*The acting ‘gods’ brought up, or down
by some contraption like a crane,
and so by such machine or wire
solve situations that were dire …

======================

They mould and shape their wood or gold
to make something the folk are told
should now be worshipped, see this ‘deus’
machine-made better to impress.

=======================

The televisions, gadgets thrill –
they cannot rest, they lust until
they own the latest thing to twiddle,
and fiddle with a modern idol.

[IP: Deus Ex Machina]

* the original usage of the phrase, I believe
=======================