Laika's Lament (For Laika and the Columbia)

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Aenimal
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-11-18

Posts 7350
the ass-end of space

0 posted 2003-02-01 04:59 PM

Incapsulated orbit
universe unfolds
before eyes agape
The glitter of stars
against a velvet
backdrop black
Slow drift
into the cold
and empty
vacuum
Creation's seven
comfort not
the horror
of the seven
it takes to die

In the name of science
In the name of the Race
____________________________________________________

Ironically I'd been working on this for the last week as a tribute to Laika, the first living creature launched into space. Sadly there was no way of returning the satellite this beautiful dog was launched in and she died shortly after. In the name of science and the space race. The reference to the seven days of biblical creation was used to contrast the seven days it took for Laika to slowly die in space. Sadly the poem took on added impact when the Space shuttle Columbia was destroyed early this morning, and ironically the number seven returned, this time as the number of crewmen lost again in the name of science. So in memorium to these seven brave souls and to Laika the beautiful, rest in peace

[This message has been edited by Aenimal (02-02-2003 01:33 AM).]

Kethry
Member Rara Avis

since 2000-07-29

Posts 9082
Victoria Australia

1 posted 2003-02-01 05:29 PM

Beautifully done Aenimal and profound in its telling.
Kethry

Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown

GG
Member Elite

since 2002-12-03

Posts 3532
Lost in thought

2 posted 2003-02-01 05:34 PM

its devistating, and all too real...
But you've captured it well.

yes, in honor of them...

Always, Alyssa

- And so it was that time stood still -
(blink, breathe, stand, fight)

Enchantress
Member Empyrean

since 2001-08-14

Posts 35113
Canada eh.

3 posted 2003-02-01 05:41 PM

Well done...I'm so glad you didn't go too far.

~Hugs & Smiles, Nancy~

~Time has cast a spell on you,
So you won't ever forget me~

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

4 posted 2003-02-01 06:03 PM

BRAVO!!! Oh my gosh, this is marvelous yet so heartaching, it made me cry to see this as an analogy to the infernal disorder of the eighth day in the history of creation and how innocent lives were lost with the spacecraft! (sad sigh) This is powerful, sweet friend, I'm adding this to my library right now, my prayers are with all the families of these astronauts, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Raphael, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

[This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (02-01-2003 06:04 PM).]

inkedgoddess
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-11-19

Posts 7392
Ohio

5 posted 2003-02-01 06:05 PM

really beutiful tribute, to humankind and mans best friend
so sad today,
it was l7 years ago, i was pregnant with my second child, taking the first kid to nursery school, when i heard the news about the challenger, today, ll:00 this morning, sitting having my toes painted in a nail salon, i just felt so ridiculous
hearing this on the news today, as im being pampered in the chair

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

6 posted 2003-02-01 07:04 PM

Thank you, Aenimal...once again,
you have brought your wisdom to the fore,
and grace to the fallen...

Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

7 posted 2003-02-01 07:28 PM

I remember Laika. I cried when Laika died, as I did this morning, and I did for the challenger astronauts in 1986 and the Apollo astronauts in 1967.

thank you for posting this goodbye

BluesSerenade
Member Patricius

since 2001-10-23

Posts 10549
By the Seaside

8 posted 2003-02-01 08:59 PM

Ironic it is, and so very timely,
your writing leaves quite an impact Raph.

It's always so good to read you and I am so glad you're back.

Sunnyone
Member Ascendant

since 2000-07-06

Posts 5334
Staffordshire, England

9 posted 2003-02-01 09:02 PM

I also remember Laika, and her sacrifice in the name of science. I mourn the loss of all who haven't come home, and thank you for this tribute to them, also...very well written.

A truly happy person is one who
can enjoy the scenery on a detour!

garysgirl

Member Laureate

since 2002-09-29

Posts 19237
Florida, USA

10 posted 2003-02-01 09:37 PM

Raph,
This is such a great tribute....so thoughtful of you. Such a tragedy this was. So sad.
Thank you for sharing your poem with us.
.
.
BTW, I'm so glad that you're back "home" amongst your family of friends at PIP. I missed you, even though I haven't been here as much lately, it's good to see you....

"Love makes the world go around"
~~with love and hugs from Ethel~~

[This message has been edited by garysgirl (02-01-2003 09:38 PM).]

Miah
Senior Member

since 2002-08-26

Posts 1062
Pennsylvania

11 posted 2003-02-01 10:01 PM

Wonderful write, it has been such a sad day.

skyshine

Member Elite

since 2002-02-07

Posts 3058
Beneath the northern stars

12 posted 2003-02-01 11:17 PM

This is all just so very sad. Well done, Aenimal.

--Liz

You can sit there and forgive someone until the cows come home, and it won't make a bit of difference until they forgive themselves.

the_loner_23
Member Ascendant

since 2002-06-08

Posts 5479
Jacksonville, Florida, USA

13 posted 2003-02-01 11:25 PM

Beautifully written

Cold hands means a warm heart

Aenimal
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-11-18

Posts 7350
the ass-end of space

14 posted 2003-02-02 01:32 AM

Thanks for the compliments and for sharing you thoughts on the shuttle accident. As I mentioned I hadn't meant this to be a tribute piece but after what happened today it took on a life of its own. Never forget the sacrifices, animal or human, for science.

Severn
Member Rara Avis

since 1999-07-17

Posts 7704

15 posted 2003-02-02 01:43 AM

Well it's certainly a fitting tribute, however unintentional. Can an accident be claimed as a sacrifice though? Or do we - searching for meanings with which to interpret seemingly meaningless things - ascribe noble understandings in order to aid that search...

Good writing you

K

[This message has been edited by Severn (02-02-2003 01:45 AM).]

Aenimal
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-11-18

Posts 7350
the ass-end of space

16 posted 2003-02-02 02:14 AM

Severn love the way you think, and I'm not normally prone to tribute or glorification. In this case howver i will say they sacrificed themselves because astronauts always know the dangers and face them willingly for the further advancement of science

vlraynes
Member Rara Avis

since 2000-07-25

Posts 8229
Somewhere... out there...

17 posted 2003-02-03 07:14 PM

Aenimal~
A beautiful tribute...nicely done.
~Vicky
"...until you have read the verse on his heart,
you have not truly met the poet.
~vlraynes

Aenimal
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-11-18

Posts 7350
the ass-end of space

18 posted 2003-02-03 08:49 PM

Thank you Vicky

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