The Cone Issue#3 Autumn 2014 | Page 27

Gary David Johnson GROUND CONTROL, TO MAJOR TOM (To an Addict Dying Young) ! ! ! You’ve lifted off to cool and silent space May never see again ― may not embrace ― Those many left below, broke bonds to each To find this lone and distant empty place ! You’ve slipped away to regions they can’t reach Forgone even the need for human speech Alone you wander, too far to retrace The long way back; it’s much too wide a breach ! you go on, no burdens now to face So For there is...something...you will always chase This far away, there is no right or wrong Without return, there will be no disgrace ! space has gravity, sometimes quite strong Yes, But silence?...No. It sings the Sirens’ song 27 THE CONE - ISSUE #3 - AUTUMN 2014