Granite
and Grace
(inspired by Mike Anders)
I sense the ghosts of heroes
Roaming the rusted engines
Of sky craft tossed like toys
In some giant’s playground
What stories they might tell
Embedded in hulking frames
Sealed like Egyptian secrets
The daring dreams of airmen
The battles purchased in blood
The bonds forged in flight
The brothers fallen from skies
The broken families spill over
Now metal skeletons lay exposed
Like cosmic nerves of a generation
Who will speak their glorious names
Who will honor their prodigal days
I salute their existence in poem
And call to your waning heart
To build a spiritual memorial
More precious than another wall
Of granite.
(inspired by Mike Anders)
I sense the ghosts of heroes
Roaming the rusted engines
Of sky craft tossed like toys
In some giant’s playground
What stories they might tell
Embedded in hulking frames
Sealed like Egyptian secrets
The daring dreams of airmen
The battles purchased in blood
The bonds forged in flight
The brothers fallen from skies
The broken families spill over
Now metal skeletons lay exposed
Like cosmic nerves of a generation
Who will speak their glorious names
Who will honor their prodigal days
I salute their existence in poem
And call to your waning heart
To build a spiritual memorial
More precious than another wall
Of granite.
Tags:
Poetry
As a United States Air Force veteran, thank you for this poetic tribute to the warriors of the skies. I served as a Launch Control Officer, aka Missile Combat Crew Commander, in the Minuteman missile system, so my only time in the skies was being transported via helicopter from base to the Launch Control Center.Thank you Mark.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute to our airmen. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis picture is of the "boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ. It's the largest mothballed fleet of military aircraft in the world. I love to drive by it all the time, as it's only about 15 minutes from me.
ReplyDeleteA lovely contrast between the vulnerability of flesh and the strength and apparent impenetrability of metal and steel that encases the human fighters. A very thought-provoking poem. Thank you. Sarah Tun
ReplyDelete