[CONTEST POEM #3]

         
          That life’s arisen here is proof enough

          That it exists on other planets, too;

          Although our solar system is too rough,

          Some farther off in space will surely do.

          Whatever mind or spirit that it was,

          Some organizing intellect that made

          Dust animate on Earth, now elsewhere does

          The same, and likely at a higher grade.

          Which is why we instinctively expect

          A visitation by some heavenly host

          More elevated in their intellect

          And more substantial than a holy ghost.

               Perhaps they’re waiting till we’ve grown wise

               Enough to know what growing up implies.

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