(a tribute to the flying experience)

this silver metallic bird
that cuts the wind like an ancient spear
and climbs beyond the reaches of the eye
to its galactic throne
far above the mountains of the milky-way

this bird
this bride of thunder
warrior of a higher order
tamer of raging storms and tornados
this daring creature of the sky
that gallops on the wings of a thousand eagles
to conquer the spirit of the wind
and glide with majestic grace
as it dares the aerial volcanoes
that lie beaten, broken, forlorn and out of breath

this thing of mystery
emblem of a beauty sublime
comes down to earth only to drink
on a brief homage to its makers
and then takes off again
to its calling amid the clouds above
where the stars gather in glittering ovation

this bird
this almighty bird
that answers only to the skies
gallantly sweeps through god?s enigmatic spaces
almost in defiance
of his master science


surely she deserves a more radiant crown
a name that will capture the echo of her pulse
a name that bows to the majesty of her thunder
and salutes the magic of her solar throne

let the poets carve her monuments in words
let the sculptors script the contours of her grandeur
and we the people will the raise the calabash
to toast the monarch of the winds
and prostrate before her magnificence

this silver metallic bird
that cuts the wind like an ancient spear
and climbs beyond the reaches of the eye
is the diamond that seals
the marriage between earth and sky

-ends-

? Moemise Motsepe
02 December 2004, 7.10pm
en route to East London Airport