into darkness
here, beyond the realm of air
I've given what this job remands
for everything I've e'er held dear
my closest friend, the 1st, is near
but with a glass between our hands
no proper farewell can we share.
the reaper comes for me alone
my duty done, the core repaired
though radiation thru-and-thru
there wasn't choice, I had to do
as fate demanded and declared
the good of many o'er my own.
now I'm grappling with this fear
for never have I faced my death
oh, cheated it, a time-or-three
by making wagers that would be
by any standard, wasted breath
had luck not smiled ear-to-ear.
tell me, Spock, what is the way
to shed the terrors of demise?
your kind is practiced of the art
of separating mind from heart
still, no answers swim your eyes
just tears for all you will not say.
I thought emotion left your kind
yet now a tear drips just for me
it must swell in your human part
the always kind-yet-distant heart
that fills and guides you, quietly
while shadowing a cunning mind.
oh, what a soiree this has been -
as Don and Sancho, side-by-side
this Universe that billows stars
a sea of dust and suns was ours
a crew and star ship - what a ride
there will not be the likes again.
yes, dear friend ...
chances taken, rules did bend
but I have no regrets to claim
blessing, was this daring dance
with you, across a great expanse
an honor no one else can claim
but now that trek is at an end ...
live long and prosper, my old friend ...
live long and prosper …
Copyright ©
Gregory Richard Barden
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