What If the Martians Are Us?

At first, they were into our jokes and our cokes,

Laughing and imitating us, just for kicks.

See, they wanted to schmooze with down-to-earth folks.

We partied together; they needed a fix.

They talked about a growing sunspot.

They said, "your future's what we've brought."

They showed up in fast, flying cars.

They told us they've terraformed Mars.

Talk amongst yourselves, now, discuss;
But what if the Martians are us?

They were searching for love, for peace and goodwill;

We wanted their stiff drinks and technology.

We gave them what they sought, and we had our fill

Of new high-tech gadgets and Martian green tea.

They talked about a growing sunspot.

They said, "your future will be frought

With war, but you'll have flying cars.

They told us they've terraformed Mars.

Talk amongst yourselves, now, discuss;
But what if the Martians are us?

Then they all got bored and flew to Io

With the music and art and lit we once knew.

They said, "Mars awaits you," but I'll bet they know

Someday we'll turn Mars into Earth Number Two.

They talked about a growing sunspot.

They said, "your future's what we've brought."

They flew away, into the stars.

But now we know we'll terraform Mars.

Talk amongst yourselves, now, discuss;
But what if the Martians are us?

© 2021 David Acosta