Samples

           


        They burst clean through the atmosphere

   so they could collect fresh life forms here.

Their first sample came from NY City, 

                             but it proved too deep distaste              

So they abandoned it in Chicago, 

                         as they reviewed huge heaps of waste.

Then they turned to try one in D.C. 

                          but their leader choked on it

                         So they spurned it in the Mississippi, 

                          revoked by soot and grit.

Another was taken in San Francisco, 

                          but it reeked of dying fish,

So they'd forsaken it in Ohio,

                          as their leader shook his fist,

                        "This earth has such unpleasant taste, 

                         "I suggest we head back to the stars." 

                         "Perhaps there, we'll find a lot less waste."

                          They reset their course for Mars.


                                  ~P.S. Colley~

                         c. 1974


                                                

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