Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

I dedicate this poem to Roger Long Fitz, who was killed in 1951 in a plane crash while serving in the Navy. Our son, Roger Leggewie, is named in his memory. Roger left behind a young widow and 3-year-old daughter. This poem has been treasured by our family for many, many years.

For a biography of the author, click here.