The ice was thick and heavy as she rested upon the pad
The first month and the twenty eighth day no reason to be sad.
The sun rose that morning, a clear cold sky overhead
And fifty one L was ready or so everybody said.
Then at eleven thirty eight as fire belched from her core
She climbed towards the heavens as she'd done nine times before.
But twenty three seconds later and less than ten miles high
Disaster struck the lady and everyone asked why.

She was carrying man's dreams up into the blue
But it was not to be on this day, salute the gallant crew.
But man will keep on trying, man will continue to strive
The missions will continue for the dream in still alive.


                                               Bob Ollier