*

  *

    *

We’ve reached out last full day in space.

We’re reaching out to Earth.

*

And we’re keeping our distance.

This the last day before we are transformed

into heroes and icons, labeled by past deeds

trapped in a space smaller than our capsule.

*

Is this the last tranquil day of our lives?

Already the restful feeling post-TEI is faded.

Already we have ceremonial duties and demands,

This evening’s final TV broadcast a serious affair, formal,

*

just us talking to the camera,

*

in which we attempt to articulate the meaning

of our mission, describe the complexity

of the hardware, pay tribute to the thousands

who made it possible, up and down the line.

*

And widen our words to the world:

“This has been far more than three men on a voyage

to the moon . . . more even than the effort of one nation.

We feel that is stands as symbol of the insatiable curiosity

of all mankind to explore the unknown.

*

Earth fall less than 24 hours away,

or the final time, we say, “Good night from Apollo 11”