First Flight

FIRST       FLIGHT

I’d never been off the ground before,  just trains and boats.
Got  a job  in America: discovered nothing goes there that floats.
First  flight -  Lockheed  L 1011  Heathrow to Toronto.
Airport bar.  Terrified.  Life in someone else’s hands.  In control?  No.
Decided to over-drink,  dutch courage to quell  nerves, fear.
No effect.  Got  to steel self  and into the plane try to steer.
Sit down. Fiddle with belt. Try earphones.  Hands a-shake.
Next to me.  Old lady, maybe  seventy-five,  decides my hand to take.
It’ll be OK.   First flight?  Just hold my hand,  you’ll see.

Like a miracle. Calmness.  Soon we were flying in peace over the sea.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Guzzi Avatar
October 28, 2010 at 2:31 PM
Planes are awe inspiring, wonderful ending to this! So, which verses did you feel were better which you have read. I'm curious? Light & Love (I think I have one called Land Ho..about my first solo flight to the UK)
Sainz Avatar
October 28, 2010 at 10:53 AM
Lovely ending,but i'm sending to you a prayer of faith no fear the Lord hears, i hope to read a greeting soon, daniel sainz
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