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!!!!

An enchanting tribute, your grandfather must have been an excellent pilot. Just one thing bothers me, instill and approval don't really rhyme. Even accented various ways I don't think it matches up enough to work, and that's a bit of a bump in an otherwise smoothly flowing poem.

[Angelic Darkness]

This is a beautiful poem. The memories are poweful and vivid, and
I bet as you wrote this, you felt like that little boy again with his
grandpa...memories that never die. AD

[Emily Elizabeth]

Wow this is amazing... I really loved this! You are such a professional writer, 'course I've said that before, but it's true! Very sweet and touching and tender. You form the words so delicately and full of emotion. I could not have read this at a better time- my own Granddad is going back to his hometown in Iraq next week and I'm dead worried. This poem just made me realize that whatever happens, i love him and he loves me, no matter what. Thanks so much for sharing, as ever!

[Gandré]

I have read this poem, and always am amazed with your natural rhythm, what a wonderful paying tribute to your grandfather. my favorite lines are these:

Now that I’m older I understand
What he really wanted;

A grandson flying in the left seat

In control and undaunted.---------------such a wonderful, deep message, he wanted you undaunted. This is the true admiration and do you see how happy we have to be with this being born in this time, which possibilities and already 70 years no war....... this was an amazing creative personal experience!

[David Lewis Paget]

This is great stuff, Todd. You bring your grandfather to life through the eyes and with the appreciation of a small boy. He becomes real to us, we, who never knew him are left with a warm, nostalgic memory. I like the rhyme scheme, it fits the mood. The only jarring note was in the second line of Verse 5, - the use of the word 'deriving' seems to be a little forced to make the rhyme. Otherwise, this is marvellous!
David.

[Leah Simone]

Such a touching tribute to a wonderful man - flying with him must have been one of your greatest joys as a child - there is something magical about flying and you captured that magic and love in your words.

[[untitled]]

This poem truly shows your love and respect for your grandfather. It displays his passion. And because you write so beautifully of your families tradition of flying I am missing flying. This is a wonderful piece. It felt good...it feels good. It makes me wish to fly again. Thank you.

[Becca]

Oh this is outstanding!
What a wonderful tribute written by a wonderful man about a wonderful man!

[Constance]

Ah... did my memories of my grandfather help to make you write yours down? I hope so.
I have been on a plane all of three times, if you don't count the layovers and flight exchanges. I hated it, honestly. I think my feet love the ground too much. I'm also known to be barefoot when I'm not in open sandals.
My mind likes to fly all sorts of places, though. :) Your poem took me on a nice flight. This is solid, beautiful work. Memories do mean something, and sharing them makes them mean so much more. Thank you.
C