stein@dolqci.UUCP (Mike Stein) (01/28/88)
This may be one of the more unusual cross-postings ever done - but I think that on this day and in these places it is appropriate. It is a song, but I like to think it stands on its own as a poem. The Final Lesson Words and music copyright 1986 by Michael Stein e My son, I've got to tell you that a e Your mother isn't coming home again. e G6 She lifted off for outer space C6 e With another woman and five men. e G6 A teacher into space, they said, C6 B7 flat 9 To teach young children all across the land. C G And yes, she's taught us something, son, f#dim#6 B7 e But not a lesson anyone had planned. 2) The Challenger set off into The morning of a January day. A minute into launch, and all The instruments reported "A-OK". And all your classmates watched in awe As on its way your mother's mission sped. When suddenly, at Launch Control On every panel all the lights went red. 3) At first the crowd believed the flash Was separation; everybody cheered. Without a 'scope, they could not see The funny way the booster rockets veered. But then they heard the sirens wail; Their hearts grew cold, and all the cheering died. And then the grim announcement came: "The craft's exploded." Everybody cried. 4) As minutes passed without a word, A nation prayed that somehow they'd survived. But half a million pounds of fuel Burnt in one second won't leave much alive. They say that for an hour or more The pieces rained across the silent sea. And now a nation searches for Some answers in an ocean of debris. 5) The engineers, they want to know The reason that your mother's ship was lost. The businessmen are asking How much this little incident will cost. And those who sent them search their hearts: "Dear God, could this brave crew have died for naught?" They won't, as long as we can learn The final lesson that your mother taught. 6) Some people live entire lives As if a moment after birth, they died. They never lose, they never win, Because in truth they never even tried. Your mother gave her life to teach What only an example can explain. Your mother's final lesson, son: x| E arpeg. Reach for the stars, or else you live in vain. 29th January 1986 - Mike Stein { uunet!vrdxhq, decvax!decuac }!dolqci!stein Box 10420 Arlington VA 22210 (703)241-2927