An Alien from Mars by Phoenix
The crowd, the street was full, all gathered around that green man like a Christmas Turkey, seemingly weak, they were all ready to stab with their knives, and victory to the human race— survived another alien attack; others were in books, this one was real. I pushed on to get a better view— police surrounded that poor alien; each stood brave and true to keep the peace and take some rare shots of fame. What might he look like? What language does he speak? Is he a messenger, or is he a spy? What promise has he brought? Why were all so obsessed to welcome an alien from Mars? One man asked what they drank, gave him a Budweiser export discount; people down from Shell wanted to send a probe; the old smiling man of KFC whose man’s already prepared a franchise contract; some stood in line to squeeze dry all the commercial opportunities before anyone else did. The poor alien was shocked, people kept pouring in with offers— humanization deals— he could not understand, especially when came forth two men in black, wired, sun-glassed, suited like messengers from heaven delivering messages from hell; they almost had the poor soul convinced, his Martian national security was at risk; they offered him one official contract to be the exclusive arms suppliers, and two offers under the table for an eternal mass conflict effect. Then came two healers, two priests from different sects; they argued whose god was the one, whose god would bring the aliens to light; “The blind cannot lead the blind,” the alien thought in his Martian logic without even having met the Christ— the obvious truth was obvious— even an alien would know that. The poor Martian alien friend knew his people needed none of that; he pretended he did not understand years has he spent learning our tongue, in vain. He came up with a plan to save our world; they saw from there we were already dying, yet if he spoke a word, the virus would spread— we have been killing people to enlighten them since the dawn of man. He knew he could not enlighten us, we already thought we were the sun; He stood transfixed unable to speak. Some men were watching from a distance, confirmed Martians were stupid, gave green light to operation Green Death, and folks from NASA started to prepare the first conquering mission in space.
In the realm of contemporary poetry, Phoenix’s “An Alien from Mars” stands out as a poignant reflection on humanity’s virtues and vices, seen through the lens of an extraterrestrial visitor. This narrative poem does more than just tell a story; it serves as a satirical critique of human society, touching on themes of greed, conflict, and the search for meaning. Through engaging storytelling and vivid imagery, Phoenix invites readers to reconsider their perspectives on what it means to be truly enlightened and human.
The Encounter: Humanity Under Scrutiny
The poem begins with a scene that could be lifted from a science fiction novel: a Martian alien lands on Earth, only to be met with a mob mentality reminiscent of a spectacle around a “Christmas Turkey.” Instead of curiosity and a desire to understand, the crowd and the authorities react with a mix of fear, aggression, and opportunism. This immediate response sets the tone for the poem, highlighting humanity’s often hostile and exploitative approach to the unknown.
A Mirror to Society’s Obsessions
As the narrative unfolds, Phoenix introduces a cast of characters each representing different facets of society’s response to the alien visitor. From the police seeking “rare shots of fame” to entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the alien for commercial gain, the poem critiques our societal obsession with fame, profit, and exploitation. The offers and contracts presented to the alien, including a Budweiser export discount and a KFC franchise contract, satirize the commercialization of every aspect of human life, even first contact with extraterrestrial beings.
The Alien’s Perspective: A Critique of Human Enlightenment
One of the most compelling aspects of “An Alien from Mars” is the insight into the alien’s thoughts and feelings. Despite having spent years learning our language and observing us from afar, the alien finds himself unable to communicate the truths he has come to understand about humanity. He sees a species embroiled in conflict, greed, and a misguided sense of superiority, and he realizes that any attempt to enlighten us would be futile. The poem’s turning point comes when the alien, recognizing the virus of human folly, decides to remain silent to avoid spreading further discord.
The Final Verdict: A Reflection on Humanity’s Fate
The poem concludes on a somber note, with humanity’s inability to grasp the alien’s silent wisdom leading to the authorization of “operation Green Death” and plans for a conquering mission in space. This chilling finale serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of our actions and attitudes, both towards each other and towards the unknown.
Conclusion: A Call for Self-Reflection and Change
“An Alien from Mars” by Phoenix is more than a critique; it’s a call to action. By presenting humanity through the eyes of an outsider, Phoenix encourages readers to reflect on their own values, actions, and the society we have built. The poem challenges us to ask ourselves: Are we the kind of beings we would want to encounter if we were in the alien’s place? How can we move towards a more enlightened, compassionate, and understanding version of humanity?
As we close the pages of Phoenix’s narrative, we’re left with the haunting realization that the greatest threat to our future may not come from the stars, but from within. It’s a thought-provoking message that urges us to reconsider our priorities, our treatment of the unknown, and our understanding of what it truly means to be human.
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