Launch Day Poem by Bob Fletcher

Jetty park on Launch day
Standing on the beach
Electricity was tangible
And yet just out of reach

Waited long since childhood
To watch the sacred fire
Having followed all my hero’s
Sharing their desire

The ghost’s that rode the fire were with me
Standing on that sand
Kamarov and chaffee
All were close at hand

Korolev was smiling
and chatting to Von Braun
Both knowing it’s their legacy
The firey beast was born

My Family gathered were with me
Supporting full of care
Praying that the damn thing flies
To holiday elsewhere

The air was still and silent
A collective breath was taken
All eyes against the Florida sun
All other thoughts forsaken

I cast a glance into my mind
And question why I’m here
To validate the time and cost
But suddenly its clear

Sheer excitement grips the beach
As smoke and fire are seen
Followed by the shockwave
From the powerful machine

Hit Jetty Park and all are stunned
In awe we stand and stare
As if afraid to miss a thing
To say that
We were there