Ascension into space
Helmet covers my face
A world-record chase
Locked in a capsule's embrace

The command to cease
...ascension
The command to release
...the latch

Fear defines my face
...but the cameras cannot see it
I feel my heartbeat race
...but the viewers cannot feel it

Descension from space
Helmet still covers my face
Won the race, fulfilled the chase
Locked in history's embrace