Above and Below

Above

Approaching the planet they cut power and drifted

Falling slowly through the thin atmosphere

Excitement abounded amongst they crew

As they trembled in anticipation and fear

Fear of the unknown and what they would find

Anticipation of being the first to arrive

Proud that they’d set foundations for empire

A future in space that would sprout and survive

Initial vibrations calm and raise the mood to euphoria

Months in the planning to get to this moment of joy

All systems checked they can relax for a short time

Rejuvenate and consolidate bask in their glory, enjoy

Many tasks lie ahead before they can begin the construction

A new life in the stars for their people, educated and wise

Launch of the lander, on a mission to sample, test and decide

Scanning the surface, movement catches the eyes

Scanning, re-scanning, metallic eye roams the cratered vista

Was there really a movement out there or just a trick of the light

Pausing the lander’s path, they are convinced that they saw

Shadowy figures on the horizon as the stars shine so bright

Confusion reigns with the relisation the mission could be lost

On this solitary rock, where they believed life was dead

Unarmed, defenceless against inhabitants aggression

Quietly, subtly, the voices begin to cry out inside their heads

Panic, sheer uncontrolled panic spreads throughout the visitors

“Is this the end of their dream, their mission, their very existence/”

Slowly, surely, clarity comes with the thought, one of welcome

Of peace, and of fear of just what the visitor’s intent is

Realisation that communication can be achieved 

Leads to compromise, the reality that the planet is alive

Frantic urgent pleading leads to the only real solution

“Leave now and prove that we are worthy and wise!”

Below

As they watched from the dust covered surface

The object descended slowly through space

Expressionless eyes gazed upwards in wonder and fear

Watching the shape fall from the night without pace

Flickering thoughts passed from one mind to another

Anxiety reigned sentient in the lives underground

Fear of this thing on their planet unwelcomed

Their future survival at threat as the shape touches down

They watched in silence as the strange craft lay so silent

Dust settling down on the surface, they wait for some sign

A flickering, a movement, an indication of what may occur

Nervous palpations echo through receptive linked minds

Watching as the silence returns calm to planetary surface

Waiting, ever silent, without movement, silent surveillance

Whilst underground dwellers twist nervously in anticipation

And then the object is ejected from the bowels of deliverance

Watching, ever watching, as the object moves around the dusted rocks

Stopping suddenly, they freeze, fearing detection in every sinew

Time passes all too slowly as they realise they have been discovered

Horrifically and swiftly, messages from one mind to the colony flew

“Still, be still, wait, do nothing, we cannot be sure, we must hope”

Confusion flies and catches fire amongst the peaceful habitat

They are no fighters, but finally a message to all is delivered

One planetary thought strikes out soulful and vibrant

Panic, sheer uncontrolled panic spreads throughout the colony

“Is this the end of their race, their planet, their very existence?”

Slowly their though permeates the mind of the unwelcomed visitors

“Welcome, peace, we are here, you have no need to fear us

Slowly thoughts ricochet back and understanding becomes reality

First contact with another race, the visitors from above respond

An answer that is welcome comes from the those not like them

“We will leave you now, we return to where we came from”

© Fergus Martin

2012