So here I am, alone in space.

Always, always listening.

I lean back in my chair

As I listen in on people's conversations

To pick out two words if Five fails to do so.

Here I sit while hearing,

The people down there talking.


I laugh as I hear a joke exchanged over the phone.

Always, always listening.

Chit chat, arguments,

Military operations, even engagements,

I hear them all up here alone.

Here I sit while hearing,

The people down there talking.


Time to crack on, I think as head over to the computer.

Always, always listening.

I make sure as I type my next book

That I am still listening

To the people of earth with one ear.

Here I sit while hearing,

The people down there talking.


The alarm sounds, I see a flash.

Always, always listening.

I hear a panicked voice screaming

Of a burning village

And for us to come at once.

Here I sit while hearing,

The people down there talking.


I put the scared soul on hold as I try to contact base.

Always, always listening.

My name is

John Glenn Tracy

And I have a job to do.

Here I sat while hearing,

Now I'm the one who's talking.