January 4, 2004

On First Looking Out of JPL's Rover

On First Looking Out of NASA's Rover

Written on 2004-01-04


First moments of viewing first mosaic from Mars

Much have I imagined the arcing vaults of space,
And many fiery launches and cold orbits seen;
Round the darksided moon have I been
And raised a flag above Tranquility base.
Oft on one Red Planet would I place
Dreams of deep-brow'd Bradbury's Morning Green
Yet did I never breathe its pure serene
Till I saw Curiosity gaze upon our brother's face:
Then felt I like some sentinel in strange skies
When a new planet swims into his ken;
Or like those at JPL, when the Curiosity's eyes
Delivered them an image through the stars,
Look'd at each other with a wild surmise--
"All green" upon the dusty plains of Mars.

(Apologies to Keats. who would understand)

Posted by Vanderleun at January 4, 2004 2:07 PM
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"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper N.B.: Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately. Comments that exceed the obscenity or stupidity limits will be either edited or expunged.

Beautifully done.

"The I felt like some watcher of the skies,
when a new planet swims into his ken"

Memorable lines given new meaning.

When we have a craft that returns with Mars rocks and soil samples you can maybe use Keats' poem on the Elgin Marbles for inspiration!

Posted by: Debbye at January 6, 2004 1:10 PM