Poem February 24, 2003 Issue

Columbia

—Julia Karr

We didn't know you,
circling earth,
an intermittent light
in our starry nights. Seven
people working, hoping,
dreaming, planning,
like us on terra firma
going about
our daily lives. And in
one moment you were gone
from our sight. Emblazoned
in our thoughts.
We know you now
when we can no longer see
you. But, God doesn't hide
His stars—
He sets them in the heavens
for the universe to see,
infinitely. And seven shine
more brightly there
tonight.