John N. Blow (Oceanside, California)

Man breaking bonds of Mother Earth
Jets spaceward from his pad of clay
Exploring realms of outer space
He streaks along the milky way:
He trods upon the moon's bleak face
And leaves his clutter in the sky.

Like pioneers of bygone years
The astronauts break new frontiers:
May Providence in mercy guide
The pioneering astronauts
To find an unpolluted home
For earth's beleaguered habitants.
Ode to the Candle

Tallow is a wondrous thing,
To every chandler it is king:
Graceful in a candle stick
With its slender twining wick,
When you light it you will see
A glorious, sparking fantasy:
Sodt and mellow is its light
Perfect for true love's delight.