The loneliest man in history

For years
I've spun the tale of Michael Collins,
The third astronaut
In the Apollo Eleven crew,
Consigned to orbit the moon
While Aldrin & Armstrong got famous
Landing on Mare Novitium.
Collins got relegated to orbit the great grey rock,
To transit the backside
Never seen directly by human eyes before.
And when I informed Susan
The loss of all radio contact on that leg
Must have made him
"The loneliest man in the history of the race"
She said "don't be so sure-
Better write him a letter and ask"
(will).


(for Michael Collins)