The Challenge

Man, so far from perfect, and yet he dares to rise,
Beyond this sphere of safety, to the challenge of the skies.
With great machines of power to lift him from the sod,
He reaches up to understand the mysteries of God.

Created in his image, we thirst to see and know.
Each limit seems a challenge, each boundary a place to go.
This quest for knowledge grips the heart and makes us pioneers.
We conquer every obstacle and set aside our fears.

The work is soon rewarded, the bird is sent aloft.
The thunder of great victory puts to silence those who scoffed.
"Tis done! We've met the challenge; we took the chance and won.
Now all mankind will prosper from the work that's being done."

But then amidst our triumphs we're reminded of the cost,
When through our imperfections some precious lives are lost.
But the spirit of these pioneers would seem to say, "Go on,
The challenge must continue!" though the challengers have gone.

Soon across the land the new pioneers will come to take their place.
They'll take the risks and crowd the lines for a chance to fly in space.
But when next we, "Slip the surly bonds..." and from this planet rise,
Forget not those who gave their lives for the challenge of the skies.