High Flight
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 windswept 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.
May God bless you and your beloved husband ... Vance
I remember one local television station that used to roll that poem with flight footage from F-16 before playing the Star Spangled Banner when signing on in the morning. Bet that never happens any more. But it blew me away the first time I saw it, because it is just. so. beautiful.