6 of 43

Write now Article Tools

"Flyboy"

I've always dreamed of possessing wings.
Birds just take it for granted, the gift of flight,
Like singing or finding worms in the dirt.

Tonight, I will join their domain.

Propeller sputters to life
Chut, chut, chut

The Cessna arouses, a massive hummingbird
Trembling in empathy with my anticipation
And the aroma of avgas infuses the cockpit.

The runway approaches me in a blur of blacktop.
Birds disband in deference
As I coax the air to cradle the wings.
Timberline falls away with my stomach.

This is my legal drug,
My heart mounting higher than the
Altimeter could dare aspire.

I can almost hear the stars:
You're one of us, now
A turquoise curtain undulates on the horizon.
The artificial horizon waltzes in time as the
Yoke responds to my every conceit.

All too soon, my tenure is exhausted.
Azure lights guide me back to earth
As I reluctantly relinquish control of the sky.

Learn more about this author, Audra Hershberger.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Poetry: Flying?
We want to hear your view. Write now!