The Thrill of Flight The Thrill of Flight A task that’s been tried by so many--- To express in crisp soaring word-- The feelings one has when leaving this earth--- (Invading the realm of the bird). The freedom of motion in limitless space— The beauty of sun-drenching cloud--- Sensation of being at one with machine— The “god-like” vistas endowed. Satisfaction that comes with the knowledge, You’ve been vetted to join the elite--- Fly wherever your means will allow— Where sky and horizon do meet. Sensation of mind–cleansing power, That climbing to height can give birth— The shrinking of all things--by scaling— This soaring--high over the earth. The throbbing jar of the engine— The feeling of wind on one’s cheek— The pressure of “g’s” on the seat pack— The whistling of wires as they speak. The protesting yelp from the tires— As you cause them to spin up to speed— The precision you felt from your landing— That returned you to earth in your need. The thoughts in these words that I’ve written— Were minted deep down from within— But suffer like all of their brethren— Too shallow for what we intend. Bill Woodall