HIGH FLIGHT
(as revised by a UPT solo student)
(as revised by a UPT solo student)
Oh! I slipped on the surly bonds of earth
And lanced the skies on panic-stricken wings.
Sunward I’m blind, enjoined by bumbling dearth
Of flying skills - and done a hundred things
That almost killed me - stalled and spun and clung
Through aerobatic vi’lence. Unaware
I’ve chased instruments along and been flung
By anxious craft through borders in the air.
Up too long, delirious, without clue,
I’ve topped assigned altitudes in disgrace,
Felt in the dark, not knowing what to do -
And, while with overshooting winds I’ve plod
The traffic pattern trying to keep pace,
Misjudged my turn, and missed the face of God.