Why do we search the heavens
For all that we know must be there?
Why do we hope for that contact
Unable to commune even here!
 
Broken world into pieces
Why do we look to the sky?
Everyone wanting their morsel
Own little piece a’ the pie
 
The formula contains an assumption
Longevity being a factor to face
No one will be there to listen
If modeled on our own human race
 
Why do we look to the heavens
Instead of examining our souls
Why do we wish for miracles
When the power within us we hold
 
Why would they even respond to us
Seeing what we’ve done everywhere
What could we possibly provide them,
Except division, hatred, and fear!
 
The equation includes intelligence
Failing to mention the degree
Highly advanced civilizations
Would evade such as our stupidity
 
Would they then choose to be known
Can’t even get along with ourselves
What intelligence lay amongst us
Introducing world at peace with itself?
 
Everybody wanting their morsel
Own little piece of the pie
Broken world into pieces
Why do we look to the sky?
 

07/18/2000

Author's Note: Though the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) may be as old as mankind itself, in modern times it has taken on new efforts, especially with the more sophisticated technological tools at our disposal. One of the early members of the modern search, Frank Drake was the first to use radio microwave to search for evidence of life in other solar systems. He also developed a mathematical equation employing factors which can be used to estimate the number of technological civilizations that may exist in a galaxy.

Posted on 10/11/2001
Copyright © 2024 David R Spellman