I was reminded of this piece I wrote a few years ago after hearing of the North Korean nuclear bomb test today. I think it's still relevant. In case, you're interested, the article (entitled 'So...What's Wrong With North Korea?') is posted on Author's Den as well.

Could it be that
There’s life out there
That looks like us--
Buys ready to wear?

It’s a strange thought.
But certainly sure
A sobering reminder
Of the universe’s lure.

Is our neighbor a human
Or imposter from space?
I think Rod Serling
Dealt with this case--

With grace on his show,
The Twilight Zone.
Our reaction was sad
To possibilities known--

That they landed here,
Exploring our world.
Our comfort shattered;
Our ethics curled

Into their worst form.
We truly were scared.
I'd rather think now
That if they appeared...

We’d look at ourselves
From a fresh view,
And maybe we'll see
A pleasant purview,

Of how we have grown!
Be proud of our Earth.
The opposite thought
Gives rise and birth--

To the notion that we’re
Not all we should be.
My guess is that
The aliens would see--

An opportunity to seize!
(If they’re like us)
And we might wind up
In planetary fuss--

With our siblings in space.
What a horrible thought!
But I guess it’s better
Than wars we’ve fought,

Among ourselves,
For disgrace or fame.
Each dictator’s program
Carried a name--

Designed to ensure
That freedom was won
His version at least.
Then the suffering begun.

It is all too clear;
When possibilities span
Universal unknowns
For the future of man,

We must bear in mind that we all carry the name,
Human Beings.
   
copyright 2004
Wendi Price-Kirkham
All Rights Reserved