First landing 20 July ‘69,
On the moon was the mission,
Again, the return soon in time,
For an up-to-date rendition.
Over 50 years for a round trip,
Yet the moon has regular phases,
Interests change, priorities slip.
We’re past the endless exuberant praises.
For beyond the moon is a longer trip,
And, space vehicles are not that fast.
So, confine multi-generations in a space crypt.
Who wants a trip that’s their last?
On earth we can muse about moon’s phase,
From meadow or hilltop a splendid view,
Like generations past, it’s a beautiful gaze,
With right company, it’s a rendezvous.
Francis Conlon is a retired and recovering teacher. For the past 20 years, he has worked as a seasonal river ranger and boat inspector at Yampa River State Park in northwest Colorado. He has published in the local Valley Voice and in Westward Quarterly. He currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.