Ways to Greet a Real Alien - July 5, 2026

shaking hands could be dangerous

you never know if what you grab

could zap, burn or kill you

maybe a smile or simple hand wave

but what if a lip curl or fluttering fingers

is a threat in their tradition?

and I would not stare, squint or blink fast

because they might think you’re charging

some kind of bioweapon

perhaps a side bow with the arms out

and little jiggle of the head, sometimes

silliness is a sure sign of harmlessness

or maybe, a song would do the trick

sound is a common language, yes?

sing them a sweet ballad, not sure

you need to know all the words,

but please be able to carry a tune

you wouldn’t want them to think

that discord coming out of your mouth

was a horn calling in the calvary