High Flight ~ Clouds

"Clouds" for the Poetography Group (original in Note)

High Flight
by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.


Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air....

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark, or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
- Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.


It has a special meaning this photo.

A dear friend's 22 year old son passed away in a tragic accident the day before. A wonderful young man.. full of compassion and life. He was training to be a vet assistant.. and was also following up when he could afford it.. his Air Training Corps stuff and learning to fly.

I had gone outside on the deck to just find some peace of mind.... and the sky opened up...

I felt it was something special... a sign.. whatever.

I used the photo for his Funeral Service card with John Gillespie Magee Jr's "High Flight" as a poem.

It is the only non dog picture of mine I have framed. It means alot to me.