former navy pilot unpacks
fond memories of his days
ordered in pristine uniform,
life aboard aircraft carrier.
forever alert, he still scans
ocean-blue expanse of sky
beyond white-sand islands
of floating cumulous puffs.
reminisces one shining hour:
officer’s personal invitation
to test-flight new jet fighter,
before honorable discharge.
accelerate to pure freedom;
loop-de-loop clouds, swoop
between sapphire skies and
cerulean sea, defy gravitas.
reverie reverts, retiree points
up – “those clouds look innocent
yet pose real threat to pilots;
may harbor hail, wind shears.”
in worn-out lawn chair, he bird
watches as sleek indigo swallows
swiftly cruise from barn hangar
to sail into loyal-blue heavens.

photo: wiki commons
A memory my 82 yr. old father shared with me while staying at our house this summer and linking with dVerse poets OLN in response to De’s “blue” prompt.
Aug 17, 2016 @ 17:30:34
I specially love this part Lynn; its filled with energy:
accelerate to pure freedom;
loop-de-loop clouds, swoop
between sapphire skies and
cerulean sea, defy gravitas.