International Space Station

(forever in awe, watching from ground and imagining from within, looking out)

I gazed into a vast expanse

of darkness, set with spangled stars

and in its midst a moving light

which cut the jet black night in half.

So for a minute maybe more

I watched in awe and pondered on 

the flight path of the ISS.

A stunning panoramic scene

of planet earth to make one gasp.

At sunset see our world ignite

like diamonds flashing small and bright.

By day a globe of sparkling blue

with bands of cobweb white thread through,

a bauble in a silk black sea.

Some missions often fraught with risk

as deadly debris heads theirway.

Unplanned it hurtles at high speed,

avoid collision at all cost.

Evasive action halts the loss

of those who seek to understand

and further science for mankind.

Reviews

[Robert Trakofler]

This reminds me of a song by tranquility bass, "They Came In Peace For All Mankind" I imagine the various vessels overtime leaving the atmosphere to orbit the earth and witness sun-dawns in fast forward the beauty of which is equally tempered with the reality of the risks placing yourself into a vacuum riding on a bottle rocket would give you a sense of the definition of existential existence

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Bunny, what a great response. I will have to check that song out as I am not familiar with it. Dear Bunny I saw that you have a new granddaughter and I want to offer you heartfelt congratulations at this new bundle of joy. Lovely news. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

it is one of my favorites :) My heart is brimming after holding her yesterday thank you!

[Chris Shaw]

That is wonderful news. Has she got a name yet?

[Robert Trakofler]

no they are still unsure I cast my vote of the last
options cause her initials would be AHA and i do love that concept

[Chris Shaw]

Smiling at that. May you have much fun. I"m not surprised your heart is brimming. There's not much good news about, but a new arrival is a blessing in any family.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ah another star gazer. I love Science fiction and science fact about space. I believe we are all still 'flat earthers' so far as the 'universe' is concerned. One day, and then where next? You capture the wonder of science and the real plight of the International Space Station in this factual write Chris. PS not a fan of numbers nor abbreviations in poetry!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks John. I am very much interested in star gazing, so I share that interest. Thanks for the tip about abbreviations. I will remember it.

Chris

[Dave]

Chris - you seem to capture the wonder, the drama and the terrible risk of space travel. As a child I was and I guess I still am fascinated by it all. As a teenager I read scads of books on UFOs and still I believe we are not alone. Thank you for the beauty of your write.

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely review Dave. I share your thoughts about us not being alone. Many thanks.

read moreWhat a lovely review Dave. I share your thoughts about us not being alone. Many thanks.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i can just imagine what the view is like from up there...
well you help me imagine with your words.

I am reminded of JFK in his speech that starts out "As we go forth into a new frontier"----
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Seen images from the ISS of mother earth. So incredibly beautiful, they would leave you breathless. Pity the residents on our planet are intent on destroying it. Love the JFK quote. Many thanks Jacob.

Chris