Blue Sky Departures
I sobbed I cried at news you'd died
Was more a launch exploding, heart
Somehow disaster on my part!
Though capsule's ashes stain the ground,
The goals you dreamt of, live, profound.
They blast off, fly beyond the moon,
Such wonders, Bill, (1) can't come too soon!
God grace if man can reach the stars,
First baby steps, the moon, then mars!
Apollo's contrails are the rails,
Men ride to space now, flying south,
Beyond all words, the poet's mouth
Is strangely silent. I don't mind
Sky's twinkling mask that's left behind
Space telescopes, at last, see clear
Both what is far and what is near.
Old dreams be damned, there's much to see,
New depths expand reality!
My dream today? There’s much to say,
Time’s saved for us in some new place,
This life has never been a race,
Our dreams don’t cease? I don’t pretend,
I dream we’ll meet again my friend!
You’re dear, though pillars of Apollo fade,
God’s light and ours serve death to shade!
Can phantoms live if life still dreams,
Of poetry, and children’s schemes.
Brian Johnston
18th of June in 2019
Poet’s Notes:
A poem in memory of Bill Hayes who shifted
planes on Saturday June 15, 2019. I wish you
both new fellowship and a safe journey my
oldest new friend!
(1) Bill Hayes was instrumental in the launch of
many of the Apollo missions from Cape
Canaveral!
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