Still, in our hearts
Lament for the Challenger disaster (January 1986) that killed seven astronauts, as their families -- and the nation -- watched in shock
slipping on the surly bonds of earth
into ash, skeletal contrails descend
like scratches clawed by a fiery beast.
eternal in memory, transient in history,
now melting into that icy blue,
chaos replaced by the hush of certainty:
even hope falls with its wings afire.
~~~~
A/N: I've been researching the Challenger disaster for another project, and this poem burst out. See below for news coverage of the event. Do you have memories of that day?
I offer this in solemn tribute to the families who watched as their loved ones perished.
Another note: This poem's first line references President Reagan's address to the nation following the tragedy, which in turn quotes the poem “High Flight” by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
About the Creator
Sonia Heidi Unruh
I love: my husband and children; all who claim me as family or friend; the first bite of chocolate; the last blue before sunset; solving puzzles; stroking cats; finding myself by writing; losing myself in reading; the Creator who is love.
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also become a paid subscriber, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.