A Posting from Io

 

Dear Friends,

Well, I’ve settled into my little pod, finally
the surface of Io being what it is
Finding a place to set up housekeeping
was difficult, given all the volcanic activity

It is, as expected, freakishly cold here
Sulfur-dioxide frost coats everything
One dares not explore too far
for fear of freezing to death

Fire and Ice, ha! A land of contrasts
It is hard to know which to fear most
But I don’t fear, not really, only
the loneliness that seeps in around the door

My work keeps me busy
charts and graphs and data collection
the recycling of water, the cooking of meals
I try not to think too much of home

I will send you a photo of the sunset
over the mountains, which are painted
various subtle shades of yellow, red, and green
Only the distant sun seems colorless, and cold

I best sign off now, and try to sleep
It will be many months before you read this
So, I will ask you the favor, dear friends,
of replying with all the speed you can

With all my affection,

Your distant Friend