jgpo@iham1.UUCP (John, KA9MNK) (01/30/86)
In tribute to Challenger's crew, I offer the following poem, beloved of aviators everywhere. I'm sure those valiant seven would identify with its exposition of the spirit of flight. High Flight - John Gillespie Magee Jr., 1941 Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God. Requiescant in pace.