Today our dreams did not come home
They blazed a trail across the sky
Today our hearts fell, weighted stones
Our heroes failed, our stories died

Cho. Fly, Columbia! Take our prayers high
First of the fleet, and the second to die
Fly, Columbia! Go with our love
Follow the Challenger home…

We watched them, helpless, from below
The fiery tongues shot wildly forth
No hand could raise to quench the flow
A nation’s tears would drench the earth

Cho.

Another stepping stone to space
Has vanished, flaming, from our sight
And many wonder if our race
Can keep the courage to take flight

Cho.

Remember now, with every breath,
The loved ones mourning in their shrouds.
But do not mock our heroes’ deaths —
We forge ahead beyond the clouds.

Cho.

© 2003 (2/21-24) by Gerald L. “Moss” Bliss, all rights reserved.