Laika

(Editor’s note: Laika was a Soviet space dog who was the first animal to orbit the Earth and unfortunately, met a sad fate. For more on Laika, visit her wikipedia page.)

4 a.m., went out under the winter moon

to gather firewood.

I looked up into the frigid dark

and I thought of you, Laika.

I was in my eighth year 

when they sent you up,

harnessed, wired 

and entombed,

with 7 days of oxygen 

and one meal. 

They grabbed you off the streets easily,

for you were gentle and trusting.

Mankind’s best friend, the irony!

I am looking for you still 

as you 

drift through infinity

this frozen night.

– Burt Baldwin, Ignacio