Space-Shuttle Discovery

(The July 2005 Mission to the International Space Station) Should there be another flight, Or would scrapping it be best? What of the man shuttle— Would it past the test? And if Discovery launches, Would she return to land? These unsettling questions Plagued every man. With the Columbia disaster Freshly in mind, We wondered of the risk: Would the nation pine? But safely, she made it Into outer-space. And it appears that, for now, We're still in the race. We watched her fiery lift-off After spoiled attempts; Her brave astronauts Never seemed to flinch. A daring show of strength In death-defying fear— ‘Twas pleasing to the nation To explore the last frontier. But what about the gap fillers That needed repair? There in outer space, Steve did the job we'd dare. On her mission home again, We reserved our mirth. And things went rather smoothly, Until approaching the earth. Discovery was so near, And yet so far away; The weather was quite nasty— Keeping her at bay. We were waiting to exhale, With hope in every chest. But, until touchdown, The nation held its breath. Upon orbiting the globe To compensate delay, She landed at Edwards; The mission went okay. To greet Eileen and the crew, Were the waiting crowds— Praising the accomplishment That did our nation proud. Discovery made it home again— The crew, and the chief. And at last, we all can breathe A sigh of relief.