Bill “Papa” Lee Posted February 2, 2022 Posted February 2, 2022 Today marks the 19 (sad) anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia, which broke up upon reentry over Texas killing all aboard. An hour after the news, I wrote the following poem, As I tried to cope with this sudden and violent end, this is what I wrote, as I love all things about space travel. Anyway, for those who might wish to read it. Broken Dreams Broken dreams are falling down From the heavens, unto the ground. Broken pieces fill the sky, Leaving us to questions; Why? Seven heroes now are lost, Who understood, yet paid the cost. Undaunted courage they freely gave, The morning sky, is now their grave. The lives they gave, were not in vain, The goal they sought, we shall obtain! These broken wings, will one day mend, Then once again, command the wind. William E Lee February 1, 2003 3
Robert F. Smith Posted February 2, 2022 Posted February 2, 2022 Nice poem. But not all dreams are broken. Hope springs eternal. Just a couple of days ago I heard an interview with the first female Black astronaut. She said she was inspired as a young girl by Sally Ride. 2
Kenngo1969 Posted February 2, 2022 Posted February 2, 2022 (edited) By no means do I wish to minimize the sacrifices of the astronauts who died aboard Columbia, or of those who died aboard her equally ill-fated sister-craft, Challenger, for that matter. That said, both ventures, ill-fated though they were, put me in mind of this piece, by John Gillespie Magee: Quote High Flight Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds, -- and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of -- Wheeled and soared and swung High in the sun-lit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air ... . Up, up, the long delirious burning blue I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark or ever eagle flew -- And while, with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high un-trespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God. Edited February 2, 2022 by Kenngo1969 2
Kenngo1969 Posted February 3, 2022 Posted February 3, 2022 9 hours ago, Jeanne said: Beautiful! And it is very nice to see you, too! Hope you and yours are well. 1
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted February 3, 2022 Author Posted February 3, 2022 21 hours ago, Robert F. Smith said: Nice poem. But not all dreams are broken. Hope springs eternal. Just a couple of days ago I heard an interview with the first female Black astronaut. She said she was inspired as a young girl by Sally Ride. The poem just game to me in just under an hour, after learning the news, and I just wrote what (I believe) came from God, or somewhere. I was not trying to suggest that all Dreams are sometimes unrealized. As in their dreams, especially their hero’s welcome, that had survived. I am not that much of a fatalist, just trying to give the moment a voice. Sorry if you read something unpleasant, or some error into such a short poem. So, forgive me if you received a negative, into the poem’s end that expressed a positive, in what I shared. I will think twice before doing this again. Maybe my desire to share something uplifting, was only only my vanity running amuck. Please accept my humble apology. Sadly, I often write, or ramble, before I think.
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted February 3, 2022 Author Posted February 3, 2022 1 hour ago, Kenngo1969 said: And it is very nice to see you, too! Hope you and yours are well. My surgery went well, and I seem to be on the mend; God willing. My family are all well, thank you for your concern. 2
The Nehor Posted February 3, 2022 Posted February 3, 2022 23 hours ago, Robert F. Smith said: But not all dreams are broken. CFR
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted February 3, 2022 Author Posted February 3, 2022 2 minutes ago, The Nehor said: CFR Good use of CFR
Kenngo1969 Posted February 3, 2022 Posted February 3, 2022 56 minutes ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said: My surgery went well, and I seem to be on the mend; God willing. My family are all well, thank you for your concern. I'm glad! Best Wishes and Warm Regards from a Brother in Christ, -Ken K. Gourdin 2
Kenngo1969 Posted February 3, 2022 Posted February 3, 2022 At the risk of derailing the thread [further!] (if you'd like me to take this down, please let me know):
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted February 3, 2022 Author Posted February 3, 2022 12 hours ago, Jeanne said: Beautiful! Thank you so very much. I am often reluctant to post my poetry. My poems have not always met with such kind words. However, I am my worst critic. I hope you were not just being kind. I sent at the behest of a friend to NASA, I was not sure if I just got a form letter, which suggested it help many cop at mission control, and the astronaut core. 2
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted February 3, 2022 Author Posted February 3, 2022 5 minutes ago, Kenngo1969 said: At the risk of derailing the thread [further!] (if you'd like me to take this down, please let me know): I like the song and the melody. So, no worries…. 1
Robert F. Smith Posted February 3, 2022 Posted February 3, 2022 1 hour ago, The Nehor said: CFR https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2021/11/17/meet-jessica-watkins-making-history-as-the-first-black-female-astronaut-to-embark-on-a-long-term-mission/
Robert F. Smith Posted February 3, 2022 Posted February 3, 2022 2 hours ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said: The poem just game to me in just under an hour, after learning the news, and I just wrote what (I believe) came from God, or somewhere. I was not trying to suggest that all Dreams are sometimes unrealized. As in their dreams, especially their hero’s welcome, that had survived. I am not that much of a fatalist, just trying to give the moment a voice. Sorry if you read something unpleasant, or some error into such a short poem. So, forgive me if you received a negative, into the poem’s end that expressed a positive, in what I shared. I will think twice before doing this again. Maybe my desire to share something uplifting, was only only my vanity running amuck. Please accept my humble apology. Sadly, I often write, or ramble, before I think. Stop apologizing for your work, or the mood which it exhibits. It's yours Be proud of it. 3
Paloma Posted February 3, 2022 Posted February 3, 2022 On 2/1/2022 at 8:58 PM, Bill “Papa” Lee said: Today marks the 19 (sad) anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia, which broke up upon reentry over Texas killing all aboard. An hour after the news, I wrote the following poem, As I tried to cope with this sudden and violent end, this is what I wrote, as I love all things about space travel. I remember when you would share your poems on this board years ago. I always saw your poetic gift and appreciated what you wrote. This poem is no exception! I hope you continue to feel free to share your poetry! 2
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted February 3, 2022 Author Posted February 3, 2022 2 hours ago, Paloma said: I remember when you would share your poems on this board years ago. I always saw your poetic gift and appreciated what you wrote. This poem is no exception! I hope you continue to feel free to share your poetry! Thank You, I worry doing it to much. But your comment is great. So again, Thank You. 1
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