Discovery Poem by Bob Gibson

I looked out, into the darkened night
The ship Discovery was in sight
In its orbital path I see
A pinpoint of light looking down on me

My mind goes back, nigh on forty years
mine, eyes start to fill with tears
The Russian Sputnik, on her maiden flight
I saw! with my dad, that night

down a country lane, we watched it pass
laid on a blanket, on the grass
as Dad pointed out which consolation
I was was filled with admiration

Orion's belt, The Plough, and mars
This was my introduction to the stars
Binoculars, star charts, and flask of tea
I loved that time, just my Dad an me

Out of the night a car pulled by
A Young couple had a reason why
Then a police car stopped as well
My Dads jaw dropped, I could tell

Wots going on ere! the policeman said!
As he spied me and Dad, on our grass bed
You two perving at this young pair?
Nowt better ter do than ter sit and stare!

The star chart saved us from being arrested
My dad an my innocence, had been contested
Off yer go! now get yersels home
This is a loves lane, not a Spacedrome

Discovery's gone now, and so has my Dad
But I still remember the times we had
Orion's Belt is still as bright
As I look to the stars at night

Bob Gibson