How lonely it is out here in deep space
So far away from the human race.
They sent me out so long ago
In search of a planet where we could go.
Our Earth had become too crowded to please,
All the land was covered and we spread to the seas.
Before long, those, too, were crowded with life,
So we looked to the stars for a place to ease strife.
A ship was prepared, shot into the skies
With hope for mankind, and seen by all eyes.
Farther I traveled into the unknown,
Faster than any before had been thrown.
Communications were lost, at some point in time,
But I must find somewhere with agreeable clime.
Another Galaxy gone by with no end in sight,
I must find an answer to my planet's plight.
I've been gone now, my instruments say,
For some ten years, two months and a day.
On my sensors the klaxon begins to announce
A surface compatible, down to the ounce.
I complete the readings, veer away to return,
Hoping against hope the findings won't spurn
The glimmer of hope for those who have none,
Or at least pose an option for some to condone.
The entire trip back, twice as long it will take;
I must make it back, for all mankind's sake.
30 years will have gone, much longer for them,
I'll send the happy news to hinder mayhem.
As soon as a signal on the airwaves comes through,
I'll tell them there's a way for us to renew.
I'm past the point I lost contact before,
But still no answer, even though I implore.
Into our system I finally arrive,
And familiar planets I can see float by.
Approaching coordinates where home should be,
And soon the truth becomes clear to me:
While I was away, fighting broke out,
Being won by whomever held the most clout.
I hang my head in sorrow and shame,
Knowing I am now alone in this game.
By John T. M. Herres (c) 2011
