Carolyn Devonshire Poet Enclosed Rhyme

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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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William Kelii Kekaula September 24, 2020 at 7:21 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

Quoth Theraven August 11, 2019 at 3:10 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

Connie Marcum Wong March 6, 2019 at 1:02 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! : )

Sara Kendrick March 6, 2019 at 6:55 AM I have read your enclosed rhyme work and wanted to say congrats on your win ..Way to go.. Sara

Emile Pinet March 5, 2019 at 10:30 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. Carolyn Devonshire March 5, 2019 at 6:39 PM Thank you for my placement, Emile. I remember the day Challenger exploded so well and was inspired by the anniversary.

Gershon Wolf February 13, 2019 at 7:12 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

Joseph May February 2, 2019 at 4:09 PM There was so much excitement for that launch, it was so sad when it ended so tragically..Great tribute Carolyn..

Vladislav Raven February 1, 2019 at 8:48 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

Jan Allison February 1, 2019 at 4:44 PM a wonderful tribute Carolyn I still remember seeing the footage on the tv - such a tragedy:-( hugs Jan xx Carolyn Devonshire February 1, 2019 at 11:18 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 February 1, 2019 at 3:15 PM I too saw this live, Carolyn, and yes our first thoughts had to be to their families..Great poem..

Vijay Pandit February 1, 2019 at 2:05 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. Carolyn Devonshire February 1, 2019 at 2:12 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 February 1, 2019 at 12:22 PM Thus the USA left it to China to grow cotton on the moon! Another great work, Carolyn! Aloha! Rico Carolyn Devonshire February 1, 2019 at 12:30 PM Wonder how those crops are doing, Rico? Thanks for the visit.

Tom Cunningham February 1, 2019 at 11:23 AM A beautiful tribute Carolyn, to those brave pioneers' who lost their lives in that terrible disaster Very well written. Tom Carolyn Devonshire February 1, 2019 at 11:32 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