Astronaut, Astronaut,
alone in deep space.
Just you and the darkness
you—out of place.
Why did you leave
in your empty gray rocket?
What do you need
that I could not offer?
Astronaut, Astronaut,
out where it’s quiet.
All that I’m getting
is radio silence.
Over and out
can you hear me at all?
If your radio’s working
why won’t you call?
Astronaut, Astronaut,
come back to earth.
You’ve been gone too long
too far from your world.
Did you not know
that I’d always miss you?
When you let go
did you think I would too?
Astronaut—Astronaut!
So lost and alone.
It’s never too late
you can always come home.
I know that it’s dark
on your side of the moon.
But you’re in my heart
I’m waiting for you.
This transmission—or poem, rather—has a much less mysterious quality to it than the last. It gives a mostly direct glimpse into the narrative of an astronaut far from earth, told from the perspective of someone waiting for them. Through this narrative, there are themes of alienation and emptiness—somewhat usual perceptions in regard to outer space—but also of undying love and acceptance.
Through the narrator, we see that the astronaut is far from home and in a place they don’t belong. This could mean several different things, but I believe that an emphasis should be placed on emotional separation. The astronaut feels lost and alone, and perhaps has left home because of it. They have cut off old connections and are now living isolated seemingly by choice. Perhaps the astronaut did not realize that someone (our narrator) truly cared about them and would miss them. The narrator tries to communicate this, but the astronaut either refuses to listen or is in a place where they no longer are able to—this is left uncertain. In the end, in a desperate but determined statement, our narrator shares that they will always be waiting for the astronaut.
I believe we can place ourselves on either side of this poem. We have at times been astronauts, drifting further and further into space and away from those who care about us. And at other times, especially after we return from our own voyages, we beg and plead for those dear to us to see how much we care for them—anything to keep them close.
On an even deeper note, this poem is reminiscent of the parable of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), differing only in that the ending is left open-ended. Perhaps this is an encouragement toward two separate actions depending on where you find yourself: if you are the astronaut, hear those who love you—there is undoubtedly someone waiting for you. If you find yourself in the position of the narrator, be patient and loyal, your astronaut may yet return to earth. When they do, prove to them that they were missed and are still loved.
Hope Mixes.
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