We hear...

[autographedcat]

The Phoenix
by Julia Ecklar

In a tower of flame on Test Pad Two, I was there
I know not where they laid my bones, they could be anywhere
But when fire and smoke had faded, the darkness left my sight
And I found my soul in a spaceships soul, riding home on a trail of light

And my wings are made of tungsten, my flesh of glass and steel
I am the joy of Terra for the power that I wield
Once upon a lifetime I died a pioneer
Now I sing within a spaceships heart. Does anybody hear?

Before each morning's launch, they know that I am there
To the soul that warms this vessel's hull they say a silent prayer
I am father, ship and spirit of the dream for which they strive
For I am man at the hands of man; See us rocket for the sky

And my wings are made of tungsten, my flesh of glass and steel
I am the joy of Terra for the power that I wield
Once upon a lifetime I died a pioneer
Now I sing within a spaceships heart. Does anybody hear?

My thunder rends the morning sky. Yes, I am here!
Though lost to flame when I was man, now I ride her without fear
For I am more than man now, and man built me with pride
Oh, I led the way, and I lead the way, of man's future in the sky

And my wings are made of tungsten, my flesh of glass and steel
I am the joy of Terra for the power that I wield
Once upon a lifetime I died a pioneer
Now I sing within a spaceships heart. Does anybody hear?