For All Mankind

Beyond like a dream 
 unfolding on this historic day 
astronauts head skyward - heroes,
 fools, call them what you may

The world watches in awe
 its genesis where no man has been.
Strange land, a new beginning -
 behold the lunar return to Eden

A cratered moon beckons,
 this globe of reflected light -
Armstrong and Aldrin silently land,
 Mike Collins considers his plight

Each man had their rituals
 at this point in time.
Aldrin in silence broke the bread
 and drank the holy wine

Now only bootprints remain
 for some celestial traveller to find,
and a commemorative plaque that reads
“We came in peace for all mankind”

O’ moon, they walked over you -
 revealed, you shine naked.
Your secrets exposed in the name of man...
 Christ! Is nothing sacred?

                

           Written: 1992
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Trestrail Avatar
May 27, 2024 at 5:57 AM
I remember it well. Got let out of school early so we could get home and listen to the moonlanding on the radio. I raced home with my mates. We didn’t see it live on TV as NZ didn’t have a satellite that could relay it. Well done, CB.
Alex Avatar
May 1, 2022 at 6:39 AM
"lunar return to Eden" - Beautiful. Congratulations!
Kaianah Avatar
April 30, 2022 at 11:48 PM
Congratulations on your win Craig! Very well written. <3 ~Anna Kaianah
Maverick Avatar
January 28, 2022 at 1:19 PM
I remember the day, I'll guess we are of a similar Age Craig.? And how are you doing back there? I find my mind gets preoccupied with all of you Now I get enraged, then I get sad' I get some solace in Prayer and in poetry, but I find nightmares tame As to daily reality, I Don't know how you cope God bless you all.' You don't need to answer if It gets to you, but know this I am supporting you In prayer and action.'
George Avatar
January 17, 2022 at 12:42 AM
Lovely poem commemorating man's 'small step for man, but a giant leap for mankind'! I love what is written on the plaque... ! Well done Craig !
Hankins Avatar
January 14, 2022 at 8:17 PM
Nice writing, Craig. Unfortunately, what you write in your last stanza is so true!
Wolf Avatar
January 13, 2022 at 6:14 PM
Nothing, absolutely nothing, is sacred anymore. Pity, that. ~ Gershon
Dietrich Avatar
January 11, 2022 at 4:33 PM
I still remember where I was that day. visiting my biological dad in WA state and inside Sears store. Everyone gathered around the store's black and white TVs to observe it happening
Dietrich Avatar
January 11, 2022 at 4:32 PM
so interesting how you ended this one!!! I always wonder if it really happened. You hear so many theories about it being planned out to beat Russia to the moon. I am sure it must have happened, but sometimes I wonder . . .
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