Rise and Shine 13: Living a Dream

High Flight

by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

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 ever 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.

This blog is scheduled to post at 8:00 AM on Monday, October 14, 2019. At that moment in time, I will be living a life-long dream as I float high above the earth in a brilliantly colored, hot air balloon. Close your eyes. Can you see me? Can you feel the wonder and joy that I feel? Join me as I “put out my hand and touch the face of God.”