Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Rhyme

Matron of the Blue

It's just another day at the office for the dedicated Air Force crew.
They've had their briefing and now climb aboard the venerable B-52.
They complete their checklists as they've done so many times before.
The pilot throttles up to military power and down the runway they roar!

The tired old bird flexes her wings as she climbs into the morning sky.
This matron of the blue is more than fifty years old, yet she is still quite spry!
She resembles America's noble symbol, the majestic eagle, as on high she soars!
Maintaining peace is her profession, though she's suffered the scar of wars!

Today's mission will take the crew to places they only dreamed of in school.
Their arduous flight will last around twelve hours as a general rule.
'Tis ironic, they muse, that on this very plane that if the facts were known,
Could be one that some of their grandfathers and fathers may have flown!

Young men who when boys built model airplanes and dreamed of flight,
Are now masters of machines never dreamed of by the Brothers Wright!
"Service Above Self" is their battle cry - guardians of the freedoms we cherish,
So much to each we owe for ensuring that from our land they will never perish!

KC-135 Tankers met them along the route to sate the old raptor's thirst.
Now, they lower the flaps as the setting sun greets them with a glorious burst!
The smoking tires kiss the welcoming earth - the old warrior has done her duty.
Home to roost - drooping wings will flex again at dawn, to reveal a thing of beauty!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved

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Don Johnson September 20, 2011 at 6:42 PM The old cold war bird still is on guard, though the Ruskys aint a threat, they must have built em strong and hard, those eagles, some of the best, guys said the ground would jump an jive, with the bombs a landing crunch, Aussies in Vietnam, thought highly of this bunch, Sounds like the old DC3, still a flying some, Biscuit bombers Kokoda saw, when world war 2 was won. B52s good one cobber Bob...

Linda-Marie Sweetheart September 16, 2011 at 4:01 PM an amazing tale of the B 52 plane that flew so many missions during wartime Bob.. impressive lines of rhyme so unique to all your great poetry my friend... u are a weaver of wonderful tales luv..

Doris Culverhouse September 15, 2011 at 8:40 PM planes don't fly without a tail fin....and a pilot....hehe

Sidney Hall Mad Poet September 15, 2011 at 7:59 PM Wow Sir Robert, Had to stop in the beginning of this one to make some popcorn and a drink. This is better than any movie I've seen. I will save this in my fav file.

Jack Horne September 15, 2011 at 5:10 PM I love this passionate piece - your love of flight shines from this one, Bob

Carol Sunshine Brown September 14, 2011 at 8:06 AM I just love reading your poetry Bob. Thank you for sharing. Love, Carol

Elizabeth Wesley September 13, 2011 at 9:28 PM You give the old girl a place of honor Bob. All the romance of flight in this verse.

Ralph Taylor September 13, 2011 at 5:33 PM Awesome, Sarge. Stirred up some old memories! Thoroughly enjoyed. Great job. Haven't been able to spend much time on PS recently. Gonna be that way for while. Una much improved but can't really do much right now. So I'm cooking, cleaning, shopping, yard work, etc etc. Not much time for anything else! It is what it is. Hope you and Vera are both doing well. All our best to you guys. Una/Ralphie.

Carolyn Devonshire September 13, 2011 at 5:22 PM Gosh, it must be so exciting for those who have a chance to fly an aircraft, Bob. This is quite a passionate write about flight! Excellent, my friend. And thanks for your comments on "Erin Go Braless." LOL Love, Carolyn