KB Ballentine
Sky, Fixed in Fire
…………..For Christa McAuliffe, January 28, 1986
I always wanted to see the stars up close –
now, back pressed to this thin frame, all of us
touching, vibrations from liftoff still echo
in my blood, my bones. This yearning, hope
within a breath of coming true. My students
watch from their classrooms. They sent cards
and notes – every child a precious spark composed
of their own stardust. I’ll bring them each a piece
of moon or sun, a constellation to guide them safe
on lonely days. Will I see the beginning of time,
hear the nothingness after the orbiter breaks free?
My shipmates have spent their lives training
for this. But I – I just want to reach beyond
the light and trace my name in the stars.
_______________
KB Ballentine loves to travel and practice sword fighting and Irish step dancing: those Scottish and Irish roots run deep! When not tucked in a corner reading or writing, she makes daily classroom appearances to her students. Learn more at www.kbballentine.com.
Author’s Notes/Backstory: In January of 2025, I saw a notice that January 2026 would be the 40th anniversary of the Challenger explosion, and I was immediately transported to my living room in 1986, dusting (it was my household chore), and watching the television. As a high school student, I was excited that a teacher would be going into space. My excitement turned to horror as I saw the shuttle explode; it’s a moment I will never forget.
I couldn’t believe so much time had passed and determined to write about this event in honor of Christa McAuliffe. It took the better part of the year to craft this poem. It was almost complete when I realized it was 13 lines long; of course, I thought the topic was perfect for a sonnet and then went about working this poem into an American sonnet.
Editor’s Comments: This persona poem is a lovely tribute to Christa and the rich implications of beyond the light, perhaps the Light ‘it’self. Mission 51L-S-156 (28 Jan. 1986): The space shuttle Challenger lifted off from Pad 39B Jan. 28, 1986 at 11:38 a.m. (EST) with a crew of seven astronauts and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS). An accident 73 seconds after liftoff claimed both crew and vehicle. Photograph shows the blast off of the Challenger (credit: NASA)
A comprehensive analysis can be found on the NASA website: https://www.nasa.gov/challenger-sts-51l-accident/