[FPSPACE] poem in memory of Vladimir Syromyatnikov

[Keith Gottschalk]

Dear FPSPACE-rs

    I hope that no one is upset by the irreverant tone of this, but it's hard to make docking spacecraft modules sound poetic. So I had to struggle a bit for a metaphor.  If anyone knows his next of kin, & if, in your judgement, they would like this rather than be upset by it, pleases feel free to forward it to them.

Keith

MATCHMAKER

Vladimir Syromyatnikov 1923 * 2006

his algorithms were about aiming ack-ack guns
mounted on tanks
but his trajectory switched in its tracks
sworn to secrecy: docking spacecraft

in space your kisses must be perfect 
every time,
mouth sealed on mouth.
a brush-off means more than a brush-off:
gasping - the bends - death.

so give it lip, sista, lotsa lip, 
lips exploring, lips bonded,
in trust, & in fun.

for more than three decades, 
many floated in space in bliss,
thanks to Vladimir’s secrets
(matchmaker, fine-tuned the nuptials
of Salyut, Apollo-Soyuz, Mir, & space station)

if you want a lo-o-o-ng relationship
whisper: our lips are sealed -
there’s only life, you can only live
on our side of the rubber!

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