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.
a poem in my pocket 
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.
Aug 16, 2016 @ 23:05:14
I loved the visual “unpacking the memories” (can’t you just see the old white seabag?) and “forever alert” — they just never lose that! What precious memories tucked into this poem. Well captured with the lens of your pen!
Aug 17, 2016 @ 07:30:05
Your comment just made my day, thanks friend!
Aug 13, 2016 @ 12:49:09
It makes sense that a pilot would view the sky differently than others…the “loyal-blue” sky. Really enjoyed the paradigm of this poem.
Aug 13, 2016 @ 13:11:17
Thanks, Sue! Yes, they have an intimate perspective.
Aug 13, 2016 @ 10:54:24
The bit about clouds looking innocent but posing a that reminds me of my (late) uncle who told me of flying through storm clouds during his time as a WWII soldier.
Aug 13, 2016 @ 13:08:59
Soldiers face danger intrepidly…my father served in peacetime.
Aug 12, 2016 @ 09:08:19
A moving portrait of an aged pilot who still scans the sky, his medium………love him watching the barn swallows and dreaming of that loyal-blue heaven.
Aug 12, 2016 @ 09:39:35
I love that part too…thanks much for your comment, Sherry.