STATE FAIR
Extraterrestrial Challenge
At the first meeting, Aza became my space alien friend.
She wasn't interested in the latest trend.
Asked, "Aza, do you want to see our world?"
"I've seen enough of that," she hurled.
"It's Texas that I want to see."
Replied, "That's okay with me."
Introduced Aza to the State Fair of Texas
traveling by train since there wasn't a Lexis.
Big Tex was dressed in his best Western wear.
Boomed out, "Howdy, folks!" with great flair.
Aza jumped and looked up with a grin.
Asked, "Where has that GIANT been?"
Giggling, it's an engineer's dream.
Tex is an iconic greeter creating the theme.
Taking a snap with Big Tex was a must,
the picture was better than gold dust.
Candied apples and corny dogs wafted in the air.
Sharp-shooter Aza won a teddy bear.
The Midway games and rides were fun.
According to Aza, the fair was number one.
Rock and roll music played at the Chevy Stage
singing and dancing like a clever sage.
We painted pumpkins like Van Gogh.
Then, watched a fantastic bird show.
Amazed at the butter sculpture attraction
Sights and sounds, Aza loved all the action.
Piglets raced in a huge arena
in Art Deco buildings, but no Greek Athena.
New cars filled one mammoth building
displaying a concept car with gilding.
Before riding the bumper car,
rode the giant Ferris wheel, the Texas Star.
Afterward, we ate corny dogs and funnel cake.
Yep, we were ready to take a break.
Finding a bench to watch the starlight parade,
with stiltwalkers and floats, Aza wasn't afraid.
Later, waited for the illumination sensation.
Stretching, gasped at the fireworks creation.
The State Fair of Texas was a blast.
The time flew by way too fast.
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Author's notes: This rhyming poem was written for the Extraterrestrial Challenge.
The Prompt
Write a rhyming poem about the first thing you would introduce to an alien on Earth.
Imagine: an alien has just landed on Earth for the first time. They're curious, wide-eyed*, and eager to learn about our world. Your mission is to introduce them to one thing that, to you, embodies the beauty, wonder, or quirks of our planet. Let your poem convey the momentousness or humor of this first introduction. Do you take them to Mardi Gras, make them watch your favorite sitcom, or share a slice of pizza? Whatever you choose, put your heart into it, have some fun, and be sure to make it rhyme!
*Editor's Note: We do not know if they have eyes.
In order for your submission to qualify, it must:
Rhyme. You can employ any rhyme scheme of your choosing.
Be submitted to the Poets community. Choosing a community is a final step in the submission process. Your poem may be rejected for word count requirements if it is submitted to any other community.
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Thank you for reading! You are appreciated!
Happy Trails
About the Creator
Babs Iverson
Barbara J Iversen, also known as Babs Iverson, lives in Texas and loves her grandkids to the moon and back. After writing one story, she found that writing has many benefits especially during a pandemic and a Texas-size Arctic Blast.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Comments (42)
Would be cool to see Texas
The State Fair of Texas sounds very much like the annual Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver, Canada. We'd go every year. I'm sure your alien was impressed. Nicely done!
Wow! I have missed a lot these past days. This was great Babs. Congrats TS.
This was fantastic great job Babs!
Nice one Babs! ☺️👏 I’d honestly rather go the fair too! 😁
Missed this, I am so sorry! Congratulations on Top Story first of all! And thank you for the insights -I have never been to a state fair and now feel like I have!! And it was a great experience! 🤍
Thank you .i write a short horror story. if anyone like you can check my profile
This was great, the fact you also give your Alien a name it’s heartwarming. Introducing the alien to all American fun food . Congratulations on Top Story , well deserve 🥰👏👏👏
Congratulations on your win!!!
As a Texan, I approve. All aliens should visit the state fair.
This is just beautiful. The touches of humour are great, but what really pervades the whole work is the feel of a happy day out, which is one of the greatest pleasures you can find in this life no matter where it is you go. I hope every extraterrestrial visitor could manage to have such a good time as Aza did! A well-deserved Top Story, and wholly justified local pride!
This poem was so fun and I giggled! Love it and congrats on top story
Wow, this was so action-packed! 🤩 Congrats, Babs, on Top Story!
Excellent challenge entry
Wow, this is awesome Babs, I’ve now been to the Texas State Fair 😊😊
Well done on your top story. I love how you can feel all the sights and sounds in this poem. It felt like I was sightseeing with Aza.
Congratulations on your Top Story Babs!!!
Congratulations on your Top Story🎉
Loved your poem, Babs! What a great idea to go to the fair and Congrats on your Top Story!
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That was so sweet! I’m glad the alien had fun at the State Fair 😇
I want to go there too!! How fun, Babs! ☺️😁 great job!
Congratulations, Babs! So well deserved!
Congratulations on the Top Story! ❤💖💓💚🤦♂️
Nicely done, my friend. Congrats on the TS.