Fifty Years

Fifty years ago, the world watched in awe as three men rode into space on one of the most powerful machines ever built by man. Some days later, the entire world watched enraptured when one of those men stepped forth on another world. We returned five more times. And then.. stopped.


Fifty Years
(c) Mark E. Horning 2019

Do you remember - where you were that fateful day?
Do you recall now - how we said we're there to stay?
Red white and blue - blazing so proud against the grey.
Returned in triumph - then threw it all away.

--50 years... since those footprints in the dust.
--50 years...  they rode nine-million pounds of thrust.
--50 years.... we set our dreams aside to rust.
--50 years... broken dreams and broken trust.


Do you remember - when the future was foretold?
Do you recall when - we were willing to be bold?
The first footsteps - we thought were a foothold.
When we were fearless - against the dark and cold.

--50 years... since those first footprints in the dust.
--50 years...  she made nine-million pounds of thrust.
--50 years.... and nothing's left but rust.
--50 years... broken promises and trust.


Let me remind you - we held tomorrow in our hands.
It was a new day - amidst the rubble and the sand.
That brilliant sky road - leading outward to new lands.
When the future - It was ours... ours to command.

--50 years... there's still footprints in the dust.
--50 years...  looks like the future's been a bust.
--50 years.... of tears, despair, and rust.
--50 years... broken dreams ... broken trust.


Do you remember.. where you were that fateful day?