The Trillions of Planets Are Simply A Waste

The Trillions of Planets Are Simply a Waste

"Now that I think of it, Chesterton probably would not have penned a discursive rebuttal. Instead he would have written a rollicking satirical verse..."
John Peterson, The Midwest Chesterton News, May 1997

The scientist bows down before the scope,
While stars above are processed by its chips.
For universal truth he once did hope
Yet a greater lure his mind now grips,
Applying for a grant this thought he skips:
Ought he apply more wisdom and less haste?
But Darwin's dogma mumbles from his lips...
"And the trillions of planets are simply a waste."

For federal grants his publications grope
And lecture tours and media tech-news blips,
Like self-spun physics from an anchor-dope
While cosmic comic graphics past him zips;
Then he gives some caring, moral tips,
Keeping truth well-hidden, work untraced –
"Science speaks, the dogmatist just yips,
And the trillions of planets are simply a waste."

While human life rolls down the cold smooth slope
Retinas are seen but grass just slips,
Authority in all authors but the Pope,
And primitives built saucer landing strips,
But never could make trans-Atlantic trips.
Yet once a town on earth with light was graced,
While angels sang the end of God's eclipse...
"And the trillions of planets are simply a waste."

Oh human aliens, please beam off your ships!
Drink some wine while Christmas turkeys baste
The home fire glows while outside winter whips...
And the trillions of planets are simply a waste.

[Made April 25, 1997; printed elsewhere; used cum auctore auctoritas.]