THE ROSETTA MISSION

   
    We’ve launched a deep-space probe into the void
    And landed it upon an asteroid
    Then anchored it to that small sailing rock
    Where it can start its mission: taking stock
    Of things in the vicinity of Mars,
    Getting a different view of distant stars,
    And warning us perhaps of coming danger—
    A solitary scout, like the Lone Ranger.
    But wait, I’ve got it wrong.  Now I recall:
    Our target was a comet, after all,
    Not asteroid, the kind that has a tail
    And leaves behind a grand illustrious trail.
         No matter which, this project we’ve designed
         Confirms the marvel of the human mind.

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