Legacy

A tribute to my Grandfather...he was a pilot's pilot.

He was more than a Grandfather-
a Legend nearer befitting.
Pilots in these parts knew of him,
their bench flying admitting.
Hard nosed and unforgiving of
any careless mistake;
if you’re in his cockpit you would fly
with the shakes.

 

I watched him as boy, always with
complete adoration,
days made merry with stories
of stormy navigation.
He’d tell of the lightening off
the starboard side-
selecting a course to ease
The passenger’s ride.

 

Brokenhearted I remained when
he was on a trip,
a small boy missing his Grandpa’s
endearing friendship.
Returning from his flight, he’d
make this guarantee:
“One day C.T. you’ll be big
enough to fly me!”

 

As I grew older, from his side I
would never depart-
a stowaway on corporate jets,
playing with his charts.
Summers were spent at every
conceivable airport:
from Rochester to Little Rock,
Austin and Frankfort.

 

His passion for flying he earnestly
sought to instill,
in a young man always eager

for his Grandpa's approval.
Now that I’m older I understand
what he really wanted-

a grandson flying in the left seat

in control and undaunted.

 

In fact that is what he left me,

but a little more as well.

His memories remaining with me

as his fond farewell-
that in my life he might leave
behind his legacy,
so that when his time came, he
could fly with me.

 

TBailey 8 July 2008
 

Reviews

[T]

What a wonderful tribute to your grandfather...It makes me think of the legacy of music from my own grandfather (violin player) who sat and listened to me play piano when I was little and encouraged me to play from the heart!!
I love your writing and look forward to reading more and your friendship!!!!

[Emily B]

This is a lovely and tender reminiscence and tribute.

[HoorayForUnderdog]

This is a great tribute poem! You were very lucky to have such a man so involved in your life when you were young!

[papaed]

I can see that your grandfather is always flying with you. He left a rare and unique legacy for you and you've honored him with this writing. Do you get to travel as he did?

You might appreciate my "Miles Below Our Boots." Written about a flight I took in Vietnam.

Peace, my new friend.
papaed

[Nancy Lee Shrader]

A glowing tribute to your grandfather. I thought this piece was well written and also showed the love that you have for your grandfather and the love he showed unto you.

His passion for flying he earnestly
Sought to instill,
In a young man always eager

For his Grandpa's approval.
Now that I'm older I understand
What he really wanted-

A grandson flying in the left seat

In control and undaunted.


He made you into the man you became.

[Nely Amorim]

I love it, I could feel your love and respect for your grandfather. it is beautifully written .. thank u for sharing.

[Kitty]

This is a stunning tribute!!!!!!!!!! Made me think of my granpa - I miss him so. I love the way the memories flow out of this piece. Captures the readers heart as if they were our own memories!!

Great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Josie

P.S. Good luck in my contest :)

[kimberly]

this is awesome. your love and idolatry of him shine through clear and bright. how nice that he touched your life enough for you to create this! it's beautiful.

[Brianna Brie]

Beautifully written. The rhyme gets stronger as each verse builds on top of the previous. Wonderful
memories. It leaves me with the impression that we are talking about more than just flying. Perhaps, character traits and faith that navigate one through life are on the flight plan.

[Deborah Leah Krempa]

A very beautiful poem/tribute to your grandfather. A lovely write. Thank you so much for sharing. Debileah

[Jeanne Broome]

Hi Todd,
I really liked this poem. I also read it to my husband, who said it brought up memories he had of his granddad. There was something about your poem that reminded me of my relationship with my dad. My Grandfather lived in Chicago, and I loved him to death...but the little time we had together was different then a boy and a Grandpa would experience. My dad was like your grandpa...(he went to law school after college and was a perfectionist... and extremely intelligent....and gifted in so many areas. He wanted to share his knowledge..not because he was trying to make you feel inferior...but wanted you to learn what he had to offer....he wanted to make his mark on this earth. I think you really made that point well, that the love your Grandpa had for you was very special...you were his special heir....he had to leave his legacy with one who would appreciate what he had to teach. You were very fortunate indeed to have such an awesome Grandpa. He sounds like he was a wonderful man..and it sounds like he made the right choice in leaving his Legacy with you. I love your writings. ~Jeanne