FIRST FLIGHT • by Myra King

We float upon sea-air

miles stand beneath us

wings spread out

over nothing

while clouds run in teams

of streaky grey horses

 

I sit wide-eyed

my first flight bumps

beneath my feet

while you, white-knuckled

from many an intrepid flight

and two emergency landings

watch the Asian hostess

temple her hands

long sarong

drapes her fears

in prayers

 

when engines grumble and fade

as the plane rises

above the turbulence

I see the colour drain back

to your face

as fast as a dissipated dream

 

Unfasten your seat belts, says the pilot

his voice almost

as detached as this winged ship

we meet our differences, anchor hands

fingers entwine in truce

against any gravity heavier than air


Myra King is an Australian writer living on the coast of South Australia. She has written a number of prize winning poems including a first prize in the UK based 2011 Global Poetry Competition. And in 2008 she was a winner in Ballarat’s Pure Poetry Masterclass and Recital. Among other publications her poetry has appeared (or is upcoming) in The Pages and Orbis (UK) Melbourne Poets Union anthology, Meuse Press, A Hundred Gourds and Notes From the Gean (AUS) and the Heron’s Nest, Illya’s Honey Journal, Psychic Meatloaf and Red River Review (US).

 

 

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FIRST FLIGHT • by Myra King, 3.2 out of 5 based on 16 ratings
Posted on February 21, 2012 in Other, Poems
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3 Responses to “FIRST FLIGHT • by Myra King”


  1. LindaS-W Says:
    February 21st, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    Lovely metaphor here, I especially like ‘clouds run in teams/of streaky grey horses.’

    So nice to see you here Myra! Peace…

  2. marion Says:
    February 23rd, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    I hate flying, but I love this poem! :]

  3. Karla Says:
    February 24th, 2012 at 6:21 am

    Lovely :-) Great imagery. Loved the tone and the ‘soaring’ phrasing. V memorable poem.
    Thanks Myra!
    Karla

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