Phoenix

Oh banish from the dim lit moor barren windswept cold and more the untamed nagging beast and boor Oh darkened sky above the fire smoke rising from the pricey pyre signals where my hopes retire Oh twisted wooden frame remains wreckage of some airborne gains lock my airfield gate in chains Oh welcome summer shifts of breeze warmer winds from warmer seas shafts of sun to ashes tease Oh see it rise, oh spark of life bird of wonder born of strife free to wander, free to fly! Oh transformation of the moor, dappled by the sun and more: no untamed beast, no nagging boor. -Dedicated to all the pilots who, in practice or competition, have lost a plane this year, or in years past. Precision aerobatic planes represent a significant investment of time and money. Their courage to rebuild and compete again was an inspiration to me. Here's to renewed hope, rising from the ashes.