Flying Solo
Years ago I took flying lessons
78 Victor was the plane
A neat little Piper Warrior
That flew out of PNE
The lessons ended kind of abruptly
When one of the school’s planes
“Landed” on a warehouse
About 600 yards from the end of the runway
As I think back on that experience
I always remember
That I never really focused on the solo
The flight that got you your wings
I liked the company
The flying with someone else
Especially someone who knew how to land
A bonus no matter how you look at it
It’s a parallel to life
One where the journey is much better shared
And although we can fly solo
Everyone is looking to connect and share his or her experience
I’m lucky
I have the great fortune
To be able to see the world
From a wonderful perch
I’ve seen behind the false front of fame
To understand the loneliness it can bring
And to dive deep into the spiritual world
To divine things not completely understood
In every event
The search is the same
From the deck of a beautiful sailboat
Gliding through the British Virgin Isles at sunset
To a walk around the block
Just holding hands
The journey is with whom
Not what
Lifestyle can be purchased
Life is not for sale
And while the flight is beautiful
The memories aren’t complete
Until you have someone to share them with
To build more than a book of photographs
But rather a book of life
But until then
I’m still rolling out to the end of the taxiway-
“78 Victor you’re clear for take off. Runway 24, good day sir”
“78 Victor, Roger. Good day”
Full throttle down the runway
A slight pull back on the yoke
And into the sky I once again soar
Solo for now
But always keeping the right seat warm
For my co-pilot
Wherever she is waiting