IN TRIBUTE TO THE CREW OF STS 107 COLUMBIA

They were almost home
The seven brave souls
Who traveled aloft in the sky.
They were almost home
And so anxious to see
The loved ones they kissed good-bye.

They were almost home
Some had been there before
Others their very first flight.
They were almost home
Getting closer to earth
How long did they know their plight?

They were almost home
They were seen in the air
Over Texas we saw the jet streams.
They were almost home
When we knew they were doomed.
As the Columbia broke at her seams.

They were almost home
As we watched her break up
And pieces went plummeting by.
They were almost home
The seven who reached
The ultimate goal in the sky.

They were almost home
To their earthly ties,
The loved ones missed while away.

They were almost home
And God turned them around.
Now they soar even higher today.

--- By Carol Bouche' Ottlinger 02/01/03
copyright 04/05/03