Jane Wallman-Girdlestone

Mission Accomplished

Jane Wallman-Girdlestone
A poem following the death of my friend Paul Blackwood 

1st December 2015

Mission accomplished;

stand down,

space warrior,

dreamer, creator, 

observer of the absurd.

Stealth encourager,

Undercover love bomber.

Your skills have been noted in the 

field,

Admired by your Commander and 

applauded at mission control.

Your attention to the task, 

rewarded.

Spacesuit malfunctions are not the 

end of your commission.

This is the beginning

Of a freer form of travel.

Better equipped,

Upgraded free of charge,

your past missions have prepared 

you for the exploration of other 

worlds.

More skilful navigation and 

habitation of the New Lands is 

written in your stars.

You travel on unencumbered,

recycling your out of date 

equipment,

Which has faithfully rebooted 

until at the last it aborted due to a 

total system malfunction.

Assimilate your new, advanced 

orders.

You’ve been promoted space 

activist.

Your medals honourably displayed.

Go forward with courage.

Don’t look back;

We will watch out for you in 

despatches.

We will join you

When we are promoted

To navigate the abstract dimension 

beyond our skies.

Rest in peace.
  

Go well my friend.