Flaps respond to back nudge of stick,

Cushion pushes hard against my seat.

Feet adjust rests with measured kick,

While straps cradle elevated heartbeat.

Ground sweeps back, downward passes,

Three dimensions merge as two,

A torn mural of woodlots and grasses,

Hazy breath obscures details of view.

Great curving sweep shoots mountain pass,

Valleys spew crags that claw at my wings,

Loop on loop trades center of mass

Stomach trades equanimity feelings.

Oh -- to soar forever in vast gliding zest,

But lifting breezes will halt and fail,

Like whale in thrilling depth quest,

To surface I return, life to avail.

A flatness I seek, with wind at face

Flaps and direction in concert attending,

Earth gathers running feet with grace,

Gently to its bosom, without bending.

Gaze where we’ve been with stifled joy,

As I disassemble my winged steed.

Like some unsupervised teen boy

Pulling wings and tail--unscripted deed.

Trailer collects disarticulated friend

All fitted into a well- nestled home,

And off we go, other things to tend,

‘Til again--wide blue sky we roam.

© 2013 R. Leland Waldrip

There is also a video available for this experience.

http://player.vimeo.com/video/39325401