Transit (for Anna)

Out there,
The craft has looked back,
Smiling through the rings:

Around it
Asymtotic dust
Where void and darkness sings;

Sometimes,
It would remember the Houston injunction
Not to give up, but to surf through things.
Each plunge brings it closer
To the point of no return:
Laws like this govern also
Humanitys small concern:

Did I get the washing in?

(Leaving in the shooting-brake for the lab)
Is the program functioning?
(Everything has gone quite well so far...)

Researcher pulls up at night on campus

And beeps his car key to the small car,
Thinking of Huygens rendez-zous afar;
And his life of service, wedded to a star.