Closer than my shadow
Nearer than my skin
Stronger than my heartbeat
More loving than my kin

Further than my highest thoughts
are given wings to fly
More distant than my future life
that's signed across the sky

Older than the new-born's gaze
Wiser than the past -

Will I know you, like you know me?
Will you come for me at last?

--Kate Burnside

(Photo coutesy of NASA Shuttle Atlantis launch)