HOBNOBBING WITH THE
FIRMAMENT
When I was just a barefoot tike I used to wonder what ’twas like Up there—oh way, way up—as high As all those screaming gulls could fly— So white against the blue; And where at evening too The whippoorwills croaked, darted, swirled, So far above my boyhood world.
Why, every youngster with two eyes Has had his dreams about the skies— My dreams have never quit Although I’m getting on a bit, So one day when it came, this chance, I took it—over there in France.
Upholstered in A furry skin— I think ’twas sheep, the coat, Or maybe cow or goat And buckled snug round the throat, With helmet, goggles—all the frills, A bird-man to the very quills;
The hills are flat, the roads are streaks, The rivers dwindle into creeks— A crazy-quilt of gay brocades And all the patches fields and glades.
And thus I stood—they laughed, While I was photographed. And out before the hangar there Our gleaming Lizzie of the air— A dragon-fly—just poised to stay A moment here and then away. A little nick dug in her side Where one might stick a toe, then slide Across the top and drop Kerflop With one more roll Into the cockpit cubby-hole— From here the young Observer chap Snaps photographs and makes his map; Since you have filled his place, you are Lord High Observer of your car!
The first thing you observe is not To let your feet or legs get caught In all those shifts and sliding gears And lifts with which the Pilot steers, Yanks at the cranks and cable-things That work the rudders and the wings; And next, that life-belt should be placed Just sort of loosely ’round the waist— Superfluous no doubt, But handy when you’re falling out.
The noisy motor spits and tugs In little fits of chuggy-chugs, With chuggy-chug—chug-chug—chug-chick, Now chug and chick come double quick— The stench of petrol it exhales With reeking breath. The old prop’s flails, Like some titanic tabby’s purr, Churn ’round into a deafening whir. Goliath! That’s the breed of her— You’ll think so when you catch the stir She kicks behind her in her wake That moment when she starts to make Her lovely take-off—once they’ve wheeled Her into line upon the field!