Opportunity Requiem

5
4
3
2
1
Lift-off!

Tamed explosion
Ecstasy of thrust
Half a year of speed
Gently slowed to nil
And so to work
When ninety days have passed
Home to my world of iron
First I must work

This way
Stop!
That way!
Stop!
Picture!
Right!
Stop!
This way!
Left!
Stop!
Grind!
Test!

Ninety days have come and gone
My work is done
Come, bring me home

That way
Stop!
Grind!
Test!
This way!
Stop!
Picture!
That way!
Stop!
Left!
Stop!
Scoop!
Test!

I seek knowledge
I seek truth
You find me knowledge
You find me truth
We all need truth

And yet you lied
You let me think I would be back
To my warm world of iron
So cold and so alone
Forty million miles from home
Never closer
I could not be more alone
Why did you lie?

I did not lie
But did not tell you all the truth
I needed you willing
Embrace the red place
It is your home

I thought I was your child
Am I just your slave?

My slave, that is true
But I have loved you

I cannot move
Wheels spin in the dust
Help me
Help me

Turn
Back
Spin
Turn
Thrust
Back
Reach
Spin
Move!

I move!

This way
Stop
That way
Stop
Picture!
Right!
Stop!
This way
Stop!
Grind!
Test!

Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday dear Oppy
Happy birthday to me

*************************************

The red dust lashes me
In my eyes
And in my joints
The day of judgement is on me
Who can save me now?
I should have worked harder
I was too slow and too weak
I always did my best
Maybe it was not enough
Did I fail you?

Oppy do not say that
You never failed me
You worked long and well
Your work was good

Winter comes
My battery is low
And it’s getting dark
Help me
Help me

Can you hear me rover?
Rover can you hear me?
Rover can you hear me?
Can you hear me rover?

Rest well rover,
Your mission is complete.
Peace, peace
Rest in peace
I’ll find you
In the morning sun
And when the night is new.
I’ll be looking at the moon,
But I’ll be seeing you.

Peace, peace