James E Nash
from The Last of Ellman
| 1971
Listen, my children, and you shall hear
The beep-beep-beep from the stratosphere.
On the fourth of October in fifty-seven
Sputnik went to its place in heaven
And round the world people scanned the skies
And those without telescopes strained their eyes
Trying to view the new sensation.
Some of us wondered why "they" were first.
Some of us prayed and some of us cursed.
Some discoursed on cosmic friction
While others boned up on science fiction.
We read a great deal on "the race to the stars.
"There were volunteers for the trip to Mars.
Speeches were made about Education
And who would man the first space station.
Some scientists said we were left in a lurch
Because of our lag in our basic research.
The services of our united nation
Were scored for their lack of cooperation.
It's been said as well, "The chief cause was financial.
While all the rest was circumstantial".
Whatever the cause, when all views have been heard,
"Vanguard" remains an embarrassing word.
As for the future, we may regain face
Though at present, it seems that they're setting the pace.
So listen my children attentively too,
For our real future state will depend upon you.
For you'll be the objects of our dedication,
The pawns in the game of Reformed Education.
And someday, though, you may not think it a boon,
You'll inherit the earth and a trip to the moon.
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08-Nov-2011 10:38 PM