The Strangest Thing has Happened

(A poem adapted from a short story of mine)

The strangest thing has happened in the PrimeGen Research Station

as a lifetimes worth of study, enquiry and investigation

looks like it may just finally be coming to fruition

to the glee of every gathered engineer, scientist and logician.

Their detractors now stay silent, for they have been proved wrong

By the pluck and bloody-mindedness of this assembled throng

who even after failure remained faithful to the cause.

The type when asked "Why do it?" simply answer "Just because."

The alarm that roused them all's switched off, to stop their ears from aching.

A science experiment one hundred- million long years in the making.

Trembling claws the size of moons rub tired, sun-sized eyes.

The assembled scientists gather round as the defrosted sample dries

And there it is; a perfect sphere, devoid of imperfection

A tiny ball of textured green and glistening blue reflection

Assembled voices "oooh" and "aaaah" in self-congratulation

and empty wine glasses are refilled all primed for celebration.

Sample EAR-7H hangs there, a flawless gleaming jewel.

The research head stares beaming and announces, "Scientists, you'll

Be remembered for this breakthrough, long after you've all gone."

He speaks too soon, an alarm sounds – something has gone wrong.

A blackened tiny oil-like speck appears there on the crust

And tendrils of it grow and spread much to their disgust

Corruption's quick and total, and they're past the time for panic.

The tiny living fractal flaws both viral and organic.

Without a word it's taken, a hastily sketched proposal

that EAR-7H's a failure, fit only for disposal.

Into the stasis chamber, this experiment is done.

It floats with other failures round a tiny yellow sun.

A success in all other regards; aesthetic and tectonic.

EAR-7H would be perfect, if not for the life upon it.