SETI

A few humans around the world
Listen for whispers in the silence,
Hoping for just one word,
Even if it's not understood.
What would someone from a distant star say
That we haven't already said to each other?
What comfort is there
From the distant celestial bodies
That would make us change our ways;
Our rape and assault
Upon our own planet?
We are searching so desperately outside ourselves
For someone to remind us of the complexity of our lives--
(Of the simplicity of our lives?)
And what would we say
To the fellow dwellers of our universe?
Maybe we could tell them
What a thrill it is
To look for companions;
To fulfill the basic need
Not to be alone in the universe.

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© Teresa Cochran