Poem voted to be sent into space

The poem will be on display in Leicester until it goes into space

A poem about cultural divides has been voted the verse people would like to see launched into space - to be read in 100 years.

Human Beings by Adrian Mitchell touches on the theme of tolerance across different cultures.

It topped a global poll of 1,000 people to mark Thursday's National Poetry Day.

The Poetry Society is looking for ways to send the poem into space. Until then, it will go on display outside the National Space Society in Leicester.

FIRST VERSE OF HUMAN BEINGS look at your hands your beautiful useful hands you're not an ape you're not a parrot you're not a slow loris or a smart missile you're human

Mr Mitchell, a British poet, playwright and former journalist, said: "I'm very excited that so many people have voted for my poem.

"Human Beings is a poem for peace. It's about the joy of being human, but that doesn't mean that it's against animals or alien beings.

"When it goes into space and it's read by aliens, I'd hate for them to think that it's anti alternative life forms."

'Interesting view'

Steve Vesse, for the National Space Centre, said: "The winning poem reminds us all that we're all the same and all capable of learning more about our universe.

"We look forward to displaying the poem. We hope this will encourage young people to express themselves in poetry and learn more about space."

Astronomer Sir Patrick Moore added: "If the Martians can translate this and interpret it, it will give them an interesting view of human nature."

Voters were asked to choose from eight poems nominated by the Poetry Society.

National Poetry Day was launched in 1994 to fuel the nation's enthusiasm for verse and provide a platform for poets.