Dedicated to STS 107 - Shuttle crew of Columbia - 1 Feb 2003.

You left us behind, going off, into space,
  starving still, craving your laughter, and your face;

in awe we watched as exhaust trails tried to keep pace,
  streaking from earth, such power, symbolic of our race;

"Mach Twenty-Five Club," your most recent "claim to fame,"
  gliding home, free-falling to earth, Columbia's in a ball of flame;

"Come back safe," we bid you farewell, and wished you all success,
  when our tears cease to flow, only then will our hearts rest;

into the surly bonds of God, He welcomes you home,
  our lives continue here, bless you child, heaven's yours to roam;

seven souls forever free from earth, lasting memories in our heart,
  joining ten of their brethren, from our memory they'll never part.

©2006 Randolph D. Brown Jr.