The aircraft backs from the gate
Flight attendants busily attend to passengers
The captain announces it is time to go
With the Assurance of another safe trip.

Babies cry, people read, strangers talk
Meeting someone for the first and only time
The only bond, a similarity of destination
Brief moments of our lives exchanged

A time for reflection, working or relaxing
Thinking wistfully of loved ones
Feelings of Apprehension, or anticipation
Coming home is a comfort, leaving a concern
The uncertainty triggered by small fears

The lift, acceleration, and roar of the engines, feed an adrenaline rush
The plane lifts clear of the run way tilting gracefully upward
The deck slowly levels, the engines now only a soft drone
As it cruises over and amongst the soft white clouds
Gently fingering the wings as we glide through the air.

Flight Attendants patiently seated, wait for their duties to begin
Maneuvering, the aisles hand outstretched gliding
A balancing act performed with effortless grace
Offering smiles, refreshments, caring for the precious cargo
For some a duty, for others a joy, passengers cared for
Smiles exchanged at times a connection.

Activity settles, the crew at ease, waiting for the descent
The nose tips, the engines slow
The Captain announces, buckle your belts, our destination is near
The airplane's nose cuts through the clouds
As the Flight crew hustles, collecting last minute debris
Warns up with the trays, raise the seats
Easing last minute fears


A subtle bump, announces the landing gears drop
Passengers and crew are seated, holds on for the finale
The turbulent air shakes the craft and its cargo
Apprehension builds as we approach
The lighted stretch of paved nirvana
We bump softly, the wheels connecting us we commit
To earth once again

The passengers relax, the trip at an end
Aircraft taxis, the jetway bumps
Passengers herd for the doors, loved ones wait
The crew smiles and waves goodbye
I leave gazing in wonderment at the polished steel vessel
Satisfied to be home at last.

12/03/2004

Author's Note: I used to work in the airline business for 17 years.

Posted on 12/03/2004
Copyright © 2024 James Zealy