The Veteran Flyer

The clouds have roiled for ninety years, a grand and storied sight,

And through their gloom, and through their fears, you always sought the light.

You took the stick when dawn was grey, or thunder shook the pane,

And never let a single day be claimed by wind or rain.

The g-force squeeze, the engine's roar, the dangers close and keen,

To high-altitudes where one would soar, where air is cold and lean.

The instruments would dance and dip, the lightning flash and strike,

But your grip was firm upon your ship, you flew your silver spike.

You mastered crosswinds on the deck, and sleet upon the shield,

You gave the call, you cleared the wreck, you never thought to yield.

No soft excuses filled your log, no justifications spun,

You met the hazard in thickest fog, until the mission was done.

For life, like flight, presents its test, like bumpy, troubled air,

You used your training to give your best, beyond all faint despair.

You learned to trust your instruments, the compass and the clock,

To keep your spirit ever keen, and weather every shock.

So, raise a glass, let flags unfurl, to all the years you’ve flown!

You soared through vast and open space, and made the skies your own.

Your courage burned with steady beam, your character standing tall,

The master of the aviator's dream, who gave his very all!