My husband’s favorite poem that was read at his military service two years ago:
High Flight by John Magee
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunwards I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds – and done a thousand things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hovering 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.
I love that poem. My hubby was and my son is AF, and was a
pilot for a short time and it just speaks to me, too.
A good one for his service...God rest his soul!
Outstanding words and positive motivation!!!
It’s a beautiful poem...thanks for sharing it.
‘High Flight’ has been one of my favorite pieces of poetry since I was a teen. I remember one of the TV stations in L.A. used it as their sign off piece every night.
Just found your post and the beautiful poem which had inspired my first FR account name. I stopped using it in deference to those it honors.
Kindest regards.
(sodpoodle)