Whilst Earth years passed, didst bear this muzzled stance
Aware that all were in it for long haul
No yelping sounds across yon vast expanse
Yet ‘barking mad’ may be my first heard call
For I’ve been lost a decade now (or more)
Deployed in search for signs of life on Mars
To take a sample here; perhaps a core
Where e’er the rivers ran (now marked by scars)
Perchance twud be as tho were tossed a bone
By ‘rover’ who’s own path one day propels
Hath been the dream, since left here all alone
Once more to be recharged by solar cells
Declared as MIA when silence reigned
Now straining at my leash, yet still constrained