Next Step

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

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