Exploring, discovery, yes these are our way
To pioneer research, led us to the day
Our mission would send us a-loft to the stars
-And plot our trajectory – to journey to Mars

We built an orbiter, upping our game
(With a) graphite aluminum honeycomb frame
(The) concept was sound, and her engines were true
-But the software was flawed – and nobody knew

The first spark of life, my fate already set
(And) ironically had not broke atmosphere yet
I’d study the air, the water and dust
-The climate of Mars – was my sacred trust

I leapt from the launch pad and sped through the sky
(Broke) orbit and soon watched the moon passing by
(My) course and speed set, I was off on my flight
-Racing to Mars – through the deep dark night
The orbiter slowed and approached the red rock
Transmission was lost so we started the clock
Forty-nine seconds before it was due
-Contact was lost – and silence ensued

We never heard from our spacecraft again
A mix-up on Earth brought her untimely end
She came to meet Mars much too low and too fast
-And before she could start – her mission was past

“Hello dear Earth, I’ve lost contact with you
The message I’m sending is not getting through.
Your numbers seem skew, can you please send again?”
-As I hurtle toward Mars – could this be the end?

Descending too quick, my approach was too low
My frame started creaking, my skin was a-glow
A bright shooting star through a midnight of rust
-Claimed by the atmosphere – and my sacred trust

Copyright © 2017 by James Mahaffey