April is Poetry Month (April 26, 2016)

Dedicated to the Crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia, STS 107

Dedicated to the Crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia, STS 107

THE CREW OF COLUMBIA

by J.E. Fountain

You longed to touch the heavens bright

And dared to sail the sky

Defying fear that binds the souls

Of those afraid to fly

You braved the treacherous climb to heights

That few will ever see

Then riding home, you're lost to us

But found eternity

In vain some cry and hang their head

Despairing all is lost

And sorrow great deceives their heart

It was not worth the cost

For vision oft' demands a price

Discovery is not free

And what we bought with seven lives

Is not yet clear to see

If standing on your shoulders soon

We glimpse a brand new star

May courage drive us onward then

Not fearing 'tis too far

For should we fail to reach it then

In close or distant year

The price with which we bought the sight

Will be a price too dear

But when we finally reach that star

We'll publish forth her fame

And honor you who brought her close

Columbia your name

For it was you who saw her first

Though not with feeble eyes

But vision that would give you strength

To dare to sail the skies  

© Joseph E. Fountain, April 2016