The other day I saw a beautiful shooting star
However, it was close to earth and not afar
This was an unusual thing to see
For it was daylight – what could it be?

When I turned on the TV for the news
I eventually was no longer confused
The space shuttle Columbia had shattered on re-entry
Our country’s first space mishap of this century

Watching in horror, I couldn’t help wondering
In this time of pre-war pondering
If God took these 7 special souls for us to see
Just how precious and fragile life can be

Therefore, my wish upon this shooting star
Is that these 7 souls looking down from afar
Will know their job on earth and space is done
That now their home is among the stars and the sun!