By Tyme Posted: 8/8/2007 5:55:36 PM
‘Twas the day of the launch, when all at the Cape
Kept a watchful eye as the weather took shape.
Specialists in Houston and the Kennedy team,
Monitored the consoles, coordinating the dream.
The astronauts were suited up with great care,
Anticipating the countdown that soon would be there.
Loaded into the cockpit, buckled and strapped,
While visions of heavenly bodies danced tappity tap.
While out on the lawn of the Space View Park,
Spectators gathered to watch history be marked.
They traveled from near and far away too,
Jockeying for position to get a good view.
They focused their cameras to capture the show,
As the countdown began their excitement did grow.
When, alas, to their anxious eyes did appear
A flame-throwing rocket carrying space pioneers.
With a clever commander manning the bow,
They knew in a moment it must be Sturckow.
For the crew members brave and deserving acclaim,
The crowd applauded and cheered them by name:
"On Forrester! On, Reilly, on Swanson, ol' boy!
On, Olivas! On, Anderson! Our pride you enjoy.
To the top of the clouds! To the top of the sky!
Onward and upward, together you fly!"
Directing their gaze to the heavens with awe,
They pointed and honored the miracle they saw.
I heard the crowd shout as the orbiter left sight,
"Godspeed dear Atlantis, have a safe flight!"
