Columbia Memorial
Five engines roared for all their worth,
The noise and flame to flight gave birth;
Columbia leaped from the earth
Like twenty seven times before.
For sixteen days, on orbit high,
They worked and slept, at times would try
To view the Earth through cloud filled sky;
It seemed so pure and free of war.
With tasks complete and time demanding,
They strapped in place to make a landing.
Some thoughts of staying notwithstanding,
They sank into that heated glide.
At the cape their loved ones waited,
Visitors and staff elated,
Not one knowing what was fated.
In bright blue Texas sky they died.
F. A. Z.
02-01-03
Illustration used with permission by Jeff Bucchino, "The Wizard of Draws"
http://www.wizardofdraws.com