POEM

Stuka Stunt Main Forum · 11 of 11 known posts recovered

Scott Riese · Aug 11, 2001 03:10 AM

I need help in finding a poem. Can't remember the title but here is some words from it. "On lofted silver wings" "Reached out and touched the face of god". As I remember the author was killed in WW2 and they found the poem in his locker. U guy's a smart and have the knowlage.
If you know it could you please send it to me [email protected]
Thank you, scott

Ty M. · Aug 11, 2001 04:04 AM

#1 source

It's called "High Flight". The pilot was 21 when he was shot down during the Battle of Britain. James Gilespie, Jr. I believe is his name. I have the poem here and will look it up for you. Ty

Ty M. · Aug 11, 2001 04:46 PM

#5 source

Well, I almost had his name right. I first heard this poem in 1954 as a freshman in high school. Why I remembered his middle name and not his last is beyond me. I do know that after taking flying lessons, that poem has real meaning, and at times can bring tears to my eyes. 19 is just to darn young to die, especially in a war. I have seen a lot of this from 1960 to

1980 in my 20 years of military service. I hope never again. I too will post my copy above my workbench. Ah,to be an eagle.

TigreSt · Aug 11, 2001 05:54 AM

RE: POEM "High Flight"#2 source

Scott,
check here. http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/history/prewwii/jgm.htm

Regards.

Tone

Scott Riese · Aug 11, 2001 09:40 AM

RE: POEM "High Flight"#3 source

YOU MADE MY DAY. Thank you so very much

Tim McTigue · Aug 11, 2001 12:18 PM

RE: POEM "High Flight"#4 source

Scott,

Thank YOU very much for bringing something beautiful to the forefront of attention. I have often thought of this poem over the years, it inspires me greatly. I didn't know the story behind it, nor who wrote it, nor did I know what it was called. I, too, could only remember a few lines of it, and now I have the whole thing (I printed it out). I will hang it over my workbench.

Tim

Scott Riese · Aug 11, 2001 11:36 PM

RE: POEM "High Flight"#6 source

I what say why I need this special work. I had friend pass and I want to send this to his family along with my owen words. When looking for this poem I came across Hundreds of works by military people and thier family's. I was stuned. I read for six hours last night. A moment that I will never forget. Scott

Scott Riese · Aug 12, 2001 12:59 AM

RE: POEM "High Flight"#7 source

>I what say why I need
>this special work. I had
>friend pass and I want
>to send this to his
>family along with my owen
>words. When looking for this
>poem I came across Hundreds
>of works by military people
>and thier family's. I was
>stuned. I read for six
>hours last night. A moment
>that I will never forget.
>Scott

Gee I got to check me speling!.......lol

Big Country Joe · Aug 14, 2001 10:27 AM

RE: POEM "High Flight"#8 source

If you wil, I would like to tell of how this poem has affected me and mine.
My Father was a pilot in the First World War. While it took some real pushing on my part I was finally able to get his war experiences on tape before his death in 1977. My dad was a tough old bird, of the old school, and uninclined to emote at all except for his huge laugh.
During my freshman year in High School (1951) I was assigned to read aloud the poem by John Magee. My dad asked what I was mumbling to myslef and I asked him if he would listen to my reading. He agreed and I gave it my all. When I looked up from the paper I saw my dad crying. It was the only time I ever saw him cry. Perhaps his reaction also made him consider telling his WWI combat story to me.
I too have a copy of the poem in my workshop.

Scott Riese · Aug 14, 2001 10:22 PM

RE: POEM "High Flight"#9 source

I too can not read this poem without a whimper. Joe your story has made me......... I hope that everyone has enjoyed this post as much as I. Scott

Steve Scott · Aug 15, 2001 03:29 AM

RE: POEM "High Flight"#10 source

LAST EDITED ON Aug-17-01 AT 00:22 AM (CDT)

We were stationed overseas when I was in Jr High. The AFRTS (Armed Forces Radio and Television Service) would sign off each night with a video clip of mostly jet aircraft soaring high and Gillespie's poem narrated. The National Anthem followed.

As an avid sailing enthusiast I also cherish John Masefield's classic "Sea Fever" poem, circa 1902: (also paraphrased by Capt Kirk on one of the Star Trek episodes (or movies)...

I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a gray mist on the sea's face and a gray dawn breaking.

I must go down to the sea again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the sea again to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gulls way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughng fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.