Take me to your leader
And tell her I am here
For mutual enrichment.
You have no cause for fear.
Your planet contains minerals
Of which we are in need,
For which we will pay handsomely.
We come not out of greed.
We come for trade and friendship
From the Emperor
Who rules the peaceful universe,
The Pax Galactica.
And since we have an army
Far more advanced than yours,
We offer our assistance
To end your endless wars
And make for our investments
A canopy of peace.
It is in both our interests
That all these conflicts cease.
We offer you the culture
Of worlds beyond your sight
To bring you out of darkness
And lift you into light;
To civilize your values,
Enlighten your beliefs,
Disable your diseases,
Ameliorate your griefs ...
Oh, yes, those are my warships
Circling your sky.
Mere precaution - I don't know
What some of you might try.
Rest assured, we come in peace --
The planet of our birth?
Oh, long ago, so long ago,
It was the planet Earth.
Copyright by Nicholas Gordon. Free for personal or non-commercial use.
Audio and Video Music: Maryandra's Waltz. By Jesse Gallagher. Music free to use at YouTube.