Edgar A. Tieman
Upon the wings of Columbia, they soared strong and bold
BEFORE THEIR TIME
“They were almost home.”
Seven lives of life and purpose
Earth images reflecting in their eyes
In Sixteen minutes they would be home
Since the beginning of time
in our human heart it is written
the desire to explore and query
From earth into unmanned darkness
close to the stars they flew
Flags at half staff now
waving in the morning breeze
Mortal creatures they were before they left
sharing their dreams and aspirations
Now they are among the heavenly stars
Silence fell, words of comfort spoke
Families and friends gather
from near and far
In tribute to the
Seven that lost their lives
As I watched the solemn ceremony
Pictured in my mind are the two
as towards the stars they still looked
Astronaut’s helmets scarred and discolored
as though from a battle…
among the stars above the earth
On the ground they sat
As thou still vigilant
I thought about their lives
family, friends, and co-workers
As words are spoken
in deepest respect and love
I mourned for them in my own way
For I know they are in the valley
Of calm waters among the stars
Now the spirit of the Columbia
With its crew of seven
Soars through the heavens
With the Spirits of other Eagles
©Copyright March 20, 2003 by Edgar A. Tieman