Sputnik Kid

While the metal
spun slowly
as though it moved
through thick air
I was only
then learning
the meaning
of orbits.

We were told
we would be
the light of
the nation.
As if knowing
the right numbers
would produce
the measurements
of time and space
we needed
to get ahead.

Please tell me
if we have
gotten there yet.
Have I led
you through
enough wilderness
for you to know
my light is
but one
of many?