The Test Pilot's Way

5-5-26

The Test Pilot's Way
by Eric Towell
5/5/26



Today is Al’s Day
The Russians have Yuri’s Night
and we have today

“Light this Candle” day
first American in space
Crazy Al Shepard

Derry, New Hampshire
is the town that knew him when
Annapolis grad

One of the Seven
our knights riding the rockets
was picked to fly first

Up on a Redstone
on his suborbital flight
joining the fray

And then he’s grounded
has to sit out Gemini
Icy Commander

The Chief Astronaut
picture changed to match his mood
looking for answers

Tries the surgery
so groundbreaking for its time
to relieve Meniere’s

Back to flight status
in time to command 14
and golf on the moon

Let Al inspire:
always keep trying options
the test pilot’s way.