Lit up with anticipation

We arrive at the launching site

The sky is still dark, nearing dawn

On the Florida coastline



Circling choppers slash the night

With roving searchlight beams

This magic day when super-science

Mingles with the bright stuff of dreams



Floodlit in the hazy distance

The star of this unearthly show

Venting vapours, like the breath

Of a sleeping white dragon



Crackling speakers, voices tense

Resume the final count

All systems check, T minus nine

As the sun and the drama start to mount



The air is charged - a humid, motionless mass

The crowds and the cameras

The cars full of spectators pass

Excitement so thick you could cut it with a knife

Technology - high, on the leading edge of life



The earth beneath us starts to tremble

With the spreading of a low black cloud

A thunderous roar shakes the air

Like the whole world exploding



Scorching blast of golden fire

As it slowly leaves the ground

Tears away with a mighty force

The air is shattered by the awesome sound



Like a pillar of cloud, The smoke lingers

high in the air

In fascination -  with the eyes of the world

We stare



* Dedicated with thanks to astronauts Young & Crippen and all the people of NASA for their inspiration and cooperation