Laika Poem by Paul Reed

With your head rested on your paws
Strapped in, confused and afraid
The highest price you paid
For a cause that was not yours,
Your heart began to race
Somewhere, out there in space;

I would have taken you home
Played with you on the field
The bond between us sealed
As around the streets we'd roam,
Then curling up on the settee
After supper to watch TV;

For you the day we would have lightened
As amongst our joy and love
You could have looked up above
And not be frightened,
For you, Laika, we could have truly cared
And in our lives you could have shared;

Now that capsule is nought but dust
And dreams scattered all about
The stars that shone have all gone out
As man betrayed your trust,
But your spirit is still in place
Somewhere, out there in space.