The Ballad of Apollo

To commemorate the anniversary of the first lunar landing, 21 July 1969

Apollo 11 Saturn V on launch pad 39A, 1 July 1969. NASA Photo.

We recall history came,
Launched upon Apollo’s flame.
Footsteps on a dusty world
– dreams unfurled –
We all yearned for adventure and acclaim.

Ponder the world’s pride and glee,
Watching astronauts float free.
How we longed to share with them
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and we did, they went there, they were we.

Nurture your dreams well,
Love them and let them thrive.
It’s only when our dreams take off
That we are truly alive.

Aldrin poses for portrait (NASA Photo AS11-40-5903)

In the depths of history,
We can forge a destiny.
Striving to make stellar views
– or fake news –
Is a choice amidst life’s mystery.

Travellers all through space and time,
Our birthright, our aim, our climb.
We see change as the right stuff
– Not enough! –
Let’s create alternate worlds sublime.

Nurture your dreams well,
Love them and let them thrive.
It’s only when our dreams take off
That we are truly alive.

Apollo 11 lunar footprint (NASA photo)

Our future is not consigned,
No matter how paths may wind.
We each have a part to play
– on the way –
Our small steps form a leap when combined.

In our reflected moonbeams,
History, Science, Academes.
Standing tall or voicing loud
– Just be proud –
And be true to yourself and your dreams.

Nurture your dreams well,
Love them and let them thrive.
It’s only when our dreams take off
That we are truly alive.

With thanks and acknowledgement to James Horner for the inspiration from his soundtrack to the ‘Apollo 13’ movie (1995).

© 2022 Geoff Allshorn