Vignette: A Space Pleasantry

A Space Pleasantry

Ground Control to Major Tom:
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on.

(Ten...) Ground Control (Nine...) to Major Tom: (Eight...)
(Seven, six...) Commencing countdown (Five); engines on. (Four...)
(Three, two...) Check ignition (One...) and may God's love be with you. (Blast off!)

This is Ground Control to Major Tom:
You've really made the grade!
And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear?
Now it's time to leave the capsule if you feel comfortable.

This is Major Tom to Ground Control:
Thanks, I think they’re Van Heusen’s.

Okay, now I'm stepping through the door,
and I'm bringing back the most delightful souvenirs.
Anyone want a moon shot glass? Or space spoon?

Oh! Planet Earth is blue!

Roger, that's earth alright.

Though I’m past one-hundred-thousand miles,
I’m feeling very still,
and I think the spaceship knows which way to go.

Copy that. That would be the ship's automated piloting program.

Oh, well it’s very helpful.
Hey, would you tell my wife I love her very much?

Roger. Will do. Okay, we're sending her the text message … now!

Ground Control to Major Tom:
Your circuit's dead, but the auxiliary circuit has taken over.
You know this ship has more than 500 backup systems?

Do you copy, Major Tom?
Can you hear me Major Tom?

Yep, I am just sitting up here in my "ol' tin can"
far above the moon.
Planet Earth is blue,
it's really very pretty, and I was distracted for a bit.