Martian Elephants

I exhibited Martian elephants, at the pleasure grounds

where the bands and circus played.

No clowning for us, but a great feat of science,
from dream to plan, with tool and appliance,
some 25 years of traveling in place,
then a carbon-based Elevator to take us to space.

Geodesic dome-home and dust-devil friends,
six-eighty days (or a year) (it depends).

Then found them! and quickly discussed guest disgust:
No hunting, no chains; their family united,
no cages at all, for they were invited.

Between worlds we flew, and, taking our cue,
planetary break, from red on to blue

Greatest Show on Earth! The posters went up.
One time only! A mile from this station!
Free parking, free programmes, three groats a head,
fifty pence extra to see them all fed!

St John, Old Bill, and The Queen's PCA,
Sol with his hat on, to brighten the day.
Pleasure to share miracle existence!
From fields of Mars: pieces de resistance!

The gates opened at ten to the sound of...
... cricketers, playing just over the boundary.

Nothing, nobody! Greatest No-show on Earth!
Not one single person can value their worth?

Baffled, and boiling with anger and rage,
What madness of crowds keeps wonder encaged?
Thirsting for knowledge I went into town,
to stop shopping pachyderms, glazing around,

Their answer they trumpeted, happy and clear:

Mate! cease your questions! and be of good cheer!
calm down and allow us a word in your ear:
we've all seen elephants before, round here!

Comments

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