The History of Space & I

Written about Eileen Collins, the first female space shuttle commander who happens to be from my area, on the first shuttle launch since the second explosion.

"The History of Space & I"

 

I was born on the anniversary of

Armstrong's historic walk,

My House ruled by lunar phases

So of course we have a history,

The mysteries of space and I.

My twelve-year-old heart broke

On that day back in '86

As my innocent and uncomprehending

Eyes witnessed a tragedy that

They hoped would never see again,

Only to be reminded years later

Of how dreams had died that day

Along with the last true pioneers,

Those brave and curious crews

Who now circumnavigate the stars

Not with instruments and engineering

But with the gossamer wings of angels.

Now the news has come today

That human hearts once more touch

The cold black distance 'tween the stars

As my eyes are lifted skywards,

Past the clouds and falling raindrops

To where a new light appears to be

Shining, a glorious speck of hope that

Carries one from my home town,

The same diploma adorning our walls.

As I stand here looking up with

Prayers of godspeed on my lips,

I know that she looks down too

Though I suspect with unproven certainty

That their view is much better than mine,

One unbroken sphere of green and blue

Making its progression through the universe,

Orbiting the minds of those who dream and

Closing out the history of space and I.

Reviews

[Wildfleour]

inocent - innocent

Tha ther - That their

A very interesting poem, Scott. I wonder if their view is better, after all.

[Gray]

Very nice. Touching tribute.

Gray