SEVEN
by: Paul W. Wittmer
From the perspective of a United States Submarine Combat Veteran of WWII

First Published in The Tinosa Blatt, April, 1986, page 8
Second Publication in The Flame of Eternity. The Poetry Guild,
The Anthology of Poems, 1999

Dedicated as a tribute to:

THE CREW OF
THE SHUTTLE CHALLENGER

Francis R. Scobee
Michael J. Smith
Judith A. Resnik
Ellison S. Onizuka
Ronald E. McNair
Gregory B. Jarvis
Christa McAuliffe

SEVEN

Adventurers and volunteers all,
Answering an inner call
Chosen among a multitude,
Who dare to underscore,
Where few have gone before,
Life's special interlude

The chariot awaiting,
With it's souls embracing,
Slated to be cast
Then with a thunderous roar,
All seven did soar
Anticipation had passed

On a voyage to explore,
The heavens galore
Thrusting toward space.
Atop a rocket of fire,
For all the world to admire;
Alas, it's God they now face