Even in her youth
The volcano that became Olympus Mons,
Though she called herself Tharsis Lil,
Was never slender or slight.

She was strong and sturdy and fiery,
Erupting with unbridled passion
At every provocation,
Whether the impact
In the Hellas Basin,
Poundings by stray asteroids,
Shudders from rumbling marsquakes,
Or the whim of the moment.

Eventually her solidity slowed her down.
She mellowed in her chilly surroundings
Observing passing dust storms and other annoyances
With quiet equanimity.

She waited and watched
The mechanical visitors with limited interest.
When the first living creatures landed,
She summoned the will
For a heartfelt "Howdy, Stranger!"
Of welcoming, bubbling, scalding lava,
Fresh from the Arean core of her mature heart.