Reagan used “High Flight” for the eulogy of the Challenger 7 back in ’86. Still remember that day in Florida, how cold it was that morning, 25F in Tampa, then later at USF I remember a friend saying between classes,“Wow, did not think you could see the blast offs from Kennedy during the day” and off to the east some thought they saw a flash. A few minutes later we knew the Challenger had blown up……
I’ve loved this poem since I first read it. Interesting fact is that the pilot who wrote it in WW 2 ended up being MIA shortly after he wrote it. Gives a new perspective to the poem when you think of that. There are many, many more that are flying in heaven, and may an angel always be on their wings.
I read this and in my mind was the voice of the sign-off guy from our local station in the sixties. His voice-over was wed to shots of an F-104 Thunderchief
I remember hearing this on tv in the 60s. I can’t remember if it was shown right before the station went off the air (yes, channels used to shut down at night) or as a public service spot during or after the 10 pm news. I know I fell in love with it. One of my favorite poems.
Gary Fabian over 4 years ago
That last step is a doozy.
ikini Premium Member over 4 years ago
“A Wish for Wings That Work”
TampaFanatic1 over 4 years ago
Reagan used “High Flight” for the eulogy of the Challenger 7 back in ’86. Still remember that day in Florida, how cold it was that morning, 25F in Tampa, then later at USF I remember a friend saying between classes,“Wow, did not think you could see the blast offs from Kennedy during the day” and off to the east some thought they saw a flash. A few minutes later we knew the Challenger had blown up……
Skeptical Meg over 4 years ago
Normally, I “like” a strip before I comment, but I don’t like poetry.
dsatvoinde Premium Member over 4 years ago
Is it just me or did Binkley draw the short straw in this scenario?
Diat60 over 4 years ago
“I have slipped the surly bonds of earth” I dream of flying and that’s exactly what it feels like. Wonderful poem!
johnjohanna08 over 4 years ago
I’ve loved this poem since I first read it. Interesting fact is that the pilot who wrote it in WW 2 ended up being MIA shortly after he wrote it. Gives a new perspective to the poem when you think of that. There are many, many more that are flying in heaven, and may an angel always be on their wings.
DanBanks over 4 years ago
I read this and in my mind was the voice of the sign-off guy from our local station in the sixties. His voice-over was wed to shots of an F-104 Thunderchief
rgwalther over 4 years ago
“…but the birds will lose their wonder and the clouds will smell of gasoline..”
Wendy Emlinger Premium Member over 4 years ago
I remember hearing this on tv in the 60s. I can’t remember if it was shown right before the station went off the air (yes, channels used to shut down at night) or as a public service spot during or after the 10 pm news. I know I fell in love with it. One of my favorite poems.
AndrewSihler over 4 years ago
Well, that’s what happens when you go against your dharma.
Sisyphos over 4 years ago
Opus, the poignant dreamer!
Ignominious face-plant, from which I’m sure he will recover….
kauri44 over 4 years ago
I love Mobil’s sponsorship slogan.