by Brendan Beary

It might just be valid for ninety-some days,
Though few will attain such longevity;
Some come for a moment, and some not at all—
They’re typically known for their brevity.

But maybe, just maybe, your roll of the dice
Surpasses your farthest-out fantasy:
A ninety-day jaunt goes for fifteen more years,
Revealing much more than you’d planned to see.

So play Billie Holiday; let’s serenade
The space exploration community,
And marvel at all that allowed them to make
The most of their one Opportunity.