Carolyn Devonshire | + Follow Poet |
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On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded just seconds after launch from Cape Canaveral.  Ironically, Florida Governor Graham, accompanied by members of the Capital Press Corps, did not understand what they had seen in the sky until after their plane landed in Jacksonville.  The excitement of a campaign launch was quickly dispelled by the depth of the tragedy that claimed the lives of teacher Christa McAuliffe and six other astronauts.  His campaign postponed, Graham returned to the state capital to observe a period of national mourning.  The last words the astronauts heard from the control tower were, "Throttle Up, Challenger." 

Throttle Up, Challenger

Synchronicity woven by fate’s volatile hands
   Gave rise to calamity in deceptive, calm skies
   Creating tragedy so harsh that reason defies
Into a nation’s sad heart, a mortal arrow lands

"Hear ye, teachers," the benign invitation had been sent
   Demonstrate the right stuff, be the first launched into space
   Compete they did earnestly for this distinguished place
To young mother Christa McAuliffe, NASA gave consent

That same day Florida’s governor prepared to launch
   His much anticipated U.S. Senate campaign
   En route to his first stop in Jacksonville on a state plane
Bob Graham’s speech was well prepared for supporters staunch

From the air, Graham watched as a sudden flash appeared
   Souls of seven astronauts dispatched to heaven’s gate
   His campaign aborted as circumstance would dictate
And the hopes of a traumatized country disappeared

First teacher in space lost abruptly, never to return
   Husband and daughter left behind, forever changed
   Profound tributes to a beleaguered space program arranged
Perils of space travel countless mourners would discern



* Written February 1, 2019 for Emile Pinet's Enclosed Rhyme Contest.

* On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded just seconds after launch from Cape Canaveral.  Ironically, Florida Governor Graham, accompanied by members of the Capital Press Corps, did not understand what they had seen in the sky until after their plane landed in Jacksonville.  The excitement of a campaign launch was quickly dispelled by the depth of the tragedy that claimed the lives of teacher Christa McAuliffe and six other astronauts.  His campaign postponed, Graham returned to the state capital to observe a period of national mourning.  The last words the astronauts heard from the control tower were, "Throttle Up, Challenger."

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Hilo Poet Date: 9/24/2020 7:21:00 PM A fateful day devastates a nation and aroused our world, Carolyn, poignantly proffered assertions, the Onizuka family lives on the west side of Hawaii, the island we live on, my home is on the east side, blessings my friend on your honorable placement, Aloha! William Login to Reply

Quoth Theraven Date: 8/11/2019 3:10:00 PM Carolyn, I remember that day and being shocked by the news on the car radio. Very nice tribute to the seven and their kin in this Enclosed Rhyme style. -Richard Login to Reply

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 3/6/2019 1:02:00 PM This is such a heartfelt tribute to those lost before our shocked eyes Carolyn. I remember that day well, the joyful anticipation we all felt that turned into tragedy and tears and mourning. It is poetry like this that will imortalize that day for our youth. This is splendid Carolyn. Congratulations on your win! : ) Login to Reply

Sara Kendrick Date: 3/6/2019 6:55:00 AM I have read your enclosed rhyme work and wanted to say congrats on your win ..Way to go.. Sara Login to Reply

Emile Pinet Date: 3/5/2019 10:30:00 AM Congratulations Carolyn! Your poem earned a distinguished place in my contest. Due to the exacting rhyme requirements of this form, this contest was very tough to judge, well done my friend, Emile. Login to Reply Carolyn Devonshire Date: 3/5/2019 6:39:00 PM Thank you for my placement, Emile. I remember the day Challenger exploded so well and was inspired by the anniversary.

Gershon Wolf Date: 2/13/2019 7:12:00 PM Thanks for the memories, albeit sad ones, Carolyn. Maybe you'll do one on the Columbia too, where my friend Ilan Ramon went down. He was a special one, I assure you. Best wishes, Gershon Login to Reply

Joseph May Date: 2/2/2019 4:09:00 PM There was so much excitement for that launch, it was so sad when it ended so tragically..Great tribute Carolyn.. Login to Reply

Vladislav Raven Date: 2/1/2019 8:48:00 PM Hi Carolyn, a wonderful tribute write. Such a tragic event. Thoughts went out to all involved in this tragedy. This is an excellent poem. Somehow, seeing that scene always brings a great sadness. Best wishes for a win in the contest. Have a wonderful Saturday. Hugs....Mike. XX Login to Reply

Jan Allison Date: 2/1/2019 4:44:00 PM a wonderful tribute Carolyn I still remember seeing the footage on the tv - such a tragedy:-( hugs Jan xx Login to Reply Carolyn Devonshire Date: 2/1/2019 11:18:00 PM The "teacher in space" candidates had come through Tallahassee and we had a chance to meet them in a reception at the Capitol. All vied for that one spot on Challenger. No one could have anticipated.

Harry Horsman Date: 2/1/2019 3:15:00 PM I too saw this live, Carolyn, and yes our first thoughts had to be to their families..Great poem.. Login to Reply

Vijay Pandit Date: 2/1/2019 2:05:00 PM I remember that tragedy..seen over and over gain. A great tribute you wrote to the daring pioneers and the program that never gave up. They made our nation proud. Hope you win at the TOP for this gem, Carolyn. Login to Reply Carolyn Devonshire Date: 2/1/2019 2:12:00 PM I wish the explosion hadn't been repeated so many times on the news, Vijay. Can't imagine how families of the victims felt. Thank you for reading.

Rico Leffanta Date: 2/1/2019 12:22:00 PM Thus the USA left it to China to grow cotton on the moon! Another great work, Carolyn! Aloha! Rico Login to Reply Carolyn Devonshire Date: 2/1/2019 12:30:00 PM Wonder how those crops are doing, Rico? Thanks for the visit.

Tom Cunningham Date: 2/1/2019 11:23:00 AM A beautiful tribute Carolyn, to those brave pioneers' who lost their lives in that terrible disaster Very well written. Tom Login to Reply Carolyn Devonshire Date: 2/1/2019 11:32:00 AM Movies have been made about other problems with our space missions, but I think this event is still to traumatic for people to handle, even those in Hollywood. Thanks for reading, Tom