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'missing Man Formation'

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This write was inspired by an actual event in South Africa where 13 people (including children) lost their lives when two planes crashed into a mountain on their way back from an air show a few weeks ago.. 

The joy of soaring 
being one with the clouds
floating in and out

between the blue and white 
closer to something 
that is indescribable 

unless you experience it for yourself

that day the air show had all 
the elements of a dream come true

we flew by so fast
and yet 
thousands saw and were in awe 

happy faces of children and adults alike

so we headed home
we took to flight again 

everybody excited
doing what we love to do... 


No one saw it coming
a whole lot of miasma 
visibility almost none

two planes no longer in the air

lost communication
the search is on - 
a day goes by, no word


tragic reality becomes apparent
both planes went down - 

A final salute at our memorial 
the missing man formation 
our final symbolic flight
with our loved ones looking on...

*Check about this poem section 
to see what inspired this write*

280820112205

Copyright © | Year Posted 2011




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Date: 11/9/2011 1:56:00 PM
takes my breath away....good work, Wilma! jimbo
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Date: 9/3/2011 4:16:00 PM
A fine tribute to those who went down in a tragic accidnet. I love watching the Snow Birds when they practice. It's so dangerous though. great job. God Bles, JB
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Date: 8/30/2011 10:03:00 AM
oh, my, what a sad story, wilma. I love how you told it though and was it for the flying contest. WEll crafted poem!
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Date: 8/30/2011 9:12:00 AM
Wilma-a sincere regret that this tragedy occured. These pilots were only trying to bring joy to the crowds and gave their loves for the love of flight! Thank u for posting the background on your poem. It is the first one I have "clicked" on and read thus far. I live in Dayton, Ohio, the home of the Wright B Flyer. A popular venue here and we had a tragic crash a month or so ago..hearts were aching then too. Gwendolen
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Date: 8/29/2011 6:42:00 AM
sad to know this Wilma.A touching write.Best wishes.
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Date: 8/28/2011 7:11:00 PM
an excellent verse Wilma as this just happened in Maryland air show not long ago luv and lives lost of brave pilots performing.. nice parallels as well ..good luck if for Debbie's contest on flying ..
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Date: 8/28/2011 5:09:00 PM
Oh my, Wilma. 13 lives lost in this crash? I am so sorry to hear of this. I love the tital you chose as it's so appropriate, especially when you reach the last verse and realize the air salute is missing a man (or in this case two planes). A heartwrenching write that begins so joyfully and then takes a dramatic twist. Deb will love it and I wish you success in her "Flying" contest. Love, Carolyn
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Date: 8/28/2011 5:07:00 PM
Tragic, but you gave them a fitting "final salute" with this well written poem Mrs. Wilma.
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Date: 8/28/2011 4:20:00 PM
Too many sad stories like this come across the news papers but your words brought life to it and a sence of reality.. Happy as laways to be reading your Poetry even the a sad write but a nice tribute.... love and hugs for you... Michael
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