laika
as heat envelops my small body,
and the earth disappears from view,
i have to wonder what i did
to deserve this debut.
alone, my metal grave shaking,
violent convulsions and clattering silver
no sweet hands reach out for comfort
just darkness, unfamiliar.
burning stars gleam from my window,
but i still glance behind
they told me i was bound for greatness,
but i remain confined.
i claw and scrape as it grows hotter,
this unbearable sweltering place.
i let myself fade, shut my eyes one last time
but i still remain in space.