Astronauts

(On the Columbia shuttle disaster, 2 February 2003)

by oosh


Today
At about twelve thousand miles per hour
Trailing the tarnished hopes of all mankind
Seven brilliant young scientists
Fell from their course among the stars

And the world huddled at its screens
Shocked at the reminder
No ceramic fuselage
Is strong enough to cocoon our dreams.

Earlier today
In darkened wards around the world
Too weak to lift their arms
Seventy grandmothers received a quiet injection
And took their place among the angry stars

And exhausted families released a sigh
Just our private tragedy
Said "Thank God her suffering is over"
(And the medical bills)

Tonight
In one tiny, darkened bedroom
Pink by day, by night all grey
The silver star mum pasted on the ceiling
Has ceased to twinkle.

And in granddaughter's wakeful eye
A brighter, hotter star is born
And hopeless wishes fill her heart
Remembering her granny's smile