A Scientist Weeps for Laika

We didn't lie, Kudryavka.

Or—

We lied, but not because they told us to.

Or—

I lied, because I wanted to think

it was all worth something,

for you

if no one else.


Now they're saying you never even saw the stars.


Kudryavka, did you know?

20 years later, from over the sea

they threw a disc for you to chase.

Kudryavka, did you know?

There's a constellation shaped like you.

Kudryavka, did you know?

40 million years ago

there might have been a racecourse round the Earth.


Kudryavka, do you know

how many poems there are about you?

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