Frank J. Montoya

THE SPIRIT OF COLUMBIA

Columbia soared with pride up to the sky
To seek that which we most constantly pursue.
The search for knowledge, man’s most noble quest,
Was first in the minds of the Columbia’s crew.

Seven daring astronauts went up that day.
As they went aboard they smiled and waved so happily.
They faced their task with faith and confidence;
They faced the risks and the danger unflinchingly.

Their mission was complete, their research done,
They were headed home, minutes more to go,
When Columbia exploded mysteriously,
And thousands of pieces fell to the ground below.

The skies of Texas wept that day,
As debris rained down on timberland and field.
And ‘round the world people wept as well,
As they watched in shock, as their senses reeled.

The courage and spirit of these valiant souls,
Leaves a legacy that we cannot ignore.
Their devotion to duty and their sacrifice
Will be remembered and honored forevermore.

They will be renowned as heroes,
As were comrades who, before them, did also fall:
And now seven new names will be added
To the Astronaut’s Memorial Wall.

We may never know what caused this tragedy;
Was it accident, or what man failed to do?
But as we mourn our dead, we must pick up their torch:
We must forge ahead, as they would want us to.

If we look up to the Southern Skies,
They will seem brighter in a different way.
It is the Spirit of Columbia and her crew,
Looking down on us… forever… day by day.