grandiosity long gone
and greatness, grandeur, glory

all that yet remains
a troubled, trying human story

I’ve known a few world wonders
Paris, Oxford, Angor Wat

and I’ve known too much stupid strife
how I wish we hadn’t fought!

teaching in my past
from childhood drawn to books

is astrobiology the future?
extraterrestrial water is how it looks

my sons and perhaps your daughters
to go boldly Beyond - gadzooks!