laika

as heat envelops my small body,

and the earth disappears from view,

i have to wonder what i did 

to deserve this debut. 

alone, my metal grave shaking, 

violent convulsions and clattering silver 

no sweet hands reach out for comfort 

just darkness, unfamiliar. 

burning stars gleam from my window,

but i still glance behind 

they told me i was bound for greatness, 

but i remain confined.

i claw and scrape as it grows hotter,

this unbearable sweltering place.

i let myself fade, shut my eyes one last time

but i still remain in space.