Astronaut's Christmas

Strapped into the capsule, countdown on the screen Earth below a jewel, a Christmas Eve sheen Families gathered, lights like fireflies below But duty calls me onward, a different kind of glow A million miles from tinsel, a million miles from snow This astronaut's Christmas, a teardrop in the flow Of starlight and ambition, a weight upon my chest But somewhere in the cosmos, I hope I find some rest Mission critical, the launch a fiery roar Leaving behind the laughter, the carols at the door The message crackles through, a voice from home so clear"Merry Christmas, darling, wish you could be here" A million miles from tinsel, a million miles from snow This astronaut's Christmas, a teardrop in the flow Of starlight and ambition, a weight upon my chest But somewhere in the cosmos, I hope I find some rest But then I see it, a sight to fill my soul The distant crescent, Earth, a story to be told Of love and hope that stretches across the endless night A beacon in the darkness, a guiding, holy light A million miles from tinsel, a million miles from snow This astronaut's Christmas, a different kind of glow Of starlight and resilience, a fire in my breast For even here in orbit, there's peace and love, I'm blessed Merry Christmas, everyone, from this celestial sleigh May your hearts be filled with wonder, on this holy Christmas Day Though I may be far away, my spirit's with you all Across the Milky Way, our love will never fall