For a Friend
Somewhere high above us,
So far above you cannot see,
A rare gull wheels and soars upon
The ancient solar sea.
But if you close your eyes
And gaze instead from within your soul
You may see a bolt of memory white
Flash across that sea of coal.
Upon its wings inscribed
Where none may see but you
A text of mortal synkaryon winks
From those depths of cobalt blue.
Although it flies so far and high,
It does not soar alone;
For it smiles through our spirit’s eyes.
The gull is soaring home.
Amazon author's page for Kalikiano Kalei
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Reminded me of Paul Derby, a classmate of mine at college who rode home with me a couple of times the 100 miles because he didn't have a car. But immediately after graduating, as an ROTC student, was commissioned as a Marine pilot. He lost his life flying over North Vietnam leaving a wife and two children. I was dismayed when I tried to find his name on the Vietnam Memorial Wall (online search) and couldn't. But I did find a webpage that described his life and short military career very well. I didn't know him well enough to write such a stirring poem as you have. I didn't know Paul in high school because he went to the Catholic high school in town. And I didn't have any classes with him in college.
Finally your photo shows what our technology can do that is scary good. I understand that the troubled F-35 flies so fast and maneuvers so quickly that it can endanger its pilots by the physical stress it's G forces present. The plane's cost has also come under criticism because it overran in development many times.
Ron
I lost a fighter pilot friend who flew the F-117. He was used to flying F-16's at the time. One day in New Mexico bad weather hit on his way back to base. He told his wingman to land ahead of him. Then he pulled up above the clouds and he continued until he pancaked in the desert. Apparently, he traveled on a circular path and was not watching his instruments. He was a great pilot and a super guy. His name was Ken. He used to visit orphans on his days off. He never told anyone but he grew up an orphan as well. A great man. That was over 20 years ago and I still miss the guy! His wife was a sweetheart and a very gracious lady. Your poem would suit him very well. Thank you for sharing!
John Michael