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# Next Step
- URL: https://www.hawkword.com/poetry/next-step/
- Published: 2021-11-07T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2021-11-07T12:00:00.000Z
- Description: when human feet at last take steps on Mars and fuzzy signals broadcast dusty boots another small step, gateway to the stars
- Author: A. Gee
- Tags: Poetry, Allpoetry Import, #Import 2026-04-25 19:56

when human feet at last take steps on Mars  
and fuzzy signals broadcast dusty boots  
another small step, gateway to the stars

and soon metallic barracks cut their scars  
into the rusted landscape, growing roots  
when human feet at last take steps on Mars

the astronauts will write their memoirs  
and spaceships will enable their pursuits  
another small step, gateway to the stars

at first survival, then casinos, bars  
the colony gains common attributes  
when human feet at last take steps on Mars

first children born, and dads give out cigars  
and planted grasses show their shallow shoots  
another small step, gateway to the stars

and slowly the red planet becomes ours  
the little children running, with no suits  
when human feet at last take steps on Mars  
another small step, gateway to the stars

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**Author notes:** https://allpoetry.com/contest/2791854-2021-Form-Poetry-Rounds---November