First Impression

If there is life
Beyond our stars,
What would "they" think of Earth?
If "they" should travel
All of that way
To try and measure our worth.

First impressions
Are so important.
So wouldn’t it be great?
If "they" could come
To observe us all
Upon a specific date?

What would "they" think,
I often wonder,
Of dwellings lit up so bright?
The endless exchange
Of gifts and goodwill
Would prove to be quite a sight.

It would be great
As long as "they"
Did not expect, as such.
Because unfortunately,
Humanity, does not
Usually produce so much.

I think that there
Should be a plan
For humans to put into gear,
For a first impression
To speak well of us
More than just once a year.

I am a published writer of non-fiction features, poetry and fiction. Most currently, I am the author of a weekly newspaper column, "The Story Hour," published in the Daily Corinthian every Wednesday. I have been writing for the newspaper for four years, with a year and a half as a newsroom reporter. During this time, I won an Associated Press Award (1999 & 2001) and two Mississippi Press Awards (2000) for my work.
In fiction, my most recent story The Escape (horror) was e-published online at author Shannon Riley's website as the featured author of the month for July 2002.

Find more by L. A. Story Houry in the Author Index.

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