`twas `36 when I left school
No more algebra, slide-rule.
Choose the Air Force as my goal
(Lots of men were on the dole)
Three long years of study wrought
In schoolrooms bright and workshops hot.
They taught me how to true up wings
Trim an aileron and things
All to do with lift and flight,
Studied hard both day and night.
We had to swim and jump and run
Load the bayonets on our guns.
Learnt to drill with two left feet
Wrote to our mothers once a week.
By `39 the dogs of war
Were barking at the hangar door.
My chief he said "You have got a job
I would not give to any old sod,
You can look after No.2
Make sure she`s ready through and through.
She is not flown by any guy
He`s not the same as you or I.
He has no legs below his knees
Just aluminium ones if you please!"
So I cleaned up his spark plugs
Got our tea in enamel mugs.
Douglas Bader was his name
He soon rose to instant fame.
Seemed to live a charmed life
(pity the anguish of his wife).
Finally his mission failed,
Some idiot chewed off his tail.
A foot was stuck in rudder bar
There`s no way he was going far
Undid the buckles and the straps
Of the leg where he was trapped.
Colditz Castle soon his home
Difficult from there to roam.
The Germans kept his legs most nights,
Fed up with his frequent flights.
Now when things seem hard and trying
Its no good moaning, sobbing, crying,
Just think on how that special guy
Proved that he could live to fly.
Author notes
Douglas Bader would not accept special attention. Never used a walking cane to stomp across the hangar. His only consession was that he would use one`s shoulder to swing hinself up onto the wing.
A contest entry
- Allpoetry Book Project: Teen Inspiration. Win $100 / $30 by Kevin.
600 points, ended April 2, 2007, 57 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Three Option Contest by wingsofgold25.
1125 points, ended June 7, 2007, 15 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 13 of 13
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Thanks for this well written poem and the excellent tribute to your friend.
Good Luck in the Contest. -
What a marvelous tribute to a hero who obviously "took it all in stride" and asked no alms. I see he genuinely influenced your life when you were young. I believe there are many unsung heros who served in the military--you among them, even though I don't know your story.
I know a man from a writing group here who served in the U. S. Airforce at that time. He writes of many marvelous experiences with such a richness of character. I haven't been to the group for a long time, and I miss him.
Thank you for sharing. ~ Karen
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I don't remember ever reading about Bader in Rhyme before today William. He was a brave man and you have made a fine tribute to him. He seems to have been a modest man but he really was and is an inspiration.
Beautifully done.
Von -
I love historic storytelling! This is a great poem, inspired by a wonderful role model, and a truly amazing guy. Your imagery, made me feel as though I were there. This was a brave write, with a great subject.
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"on the dole"? Is this a forced rhyme? :) You should use stanza breaks, it would make it easier to read. Interesting story, it told the poem well. Thanks!
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`Dole` not forced rhyme. I don`t know what`t its called in the U.S but its the U.K. term for handouts of state benefit for unemployed. Doled out, bailed out, on the dole, means unemployed and drawing weekly benefit,( rated to number of dependants, wife and children) until another job is found.
You have social Security, does it not pay for unemployment?
Mind you its badly abused at times by layabouts who have `bad backs` and would rather live on benefits than have paid work.
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Vwey insiprational story you have written in such a good flow of words. They soar as he did, above the skies, forever.
Susie -
Great tribute to this courageous man. I remember seeing the film with Kenneth More, playing the part of Bader. A very inspiring read William. Well done!
Ann
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Very good!
I really did enjoy this (Bader's right leg was off above the knee, by the way)It is far-moving, consistantly interesting, important and has a good and inspiring message. My only negative comment is that several of the rhymes are imperfect - "wing" and "things" for example. I am sure you could have a sentence ending in "wings" that would make it a proper rhyme, and there are a couple of others. But anyway, warmest congratulations on a poem I really enjoyed! (I saw DB from a distance twice - one when he visited Perth, Western Australia, and once when he was playing golf in UK in 1973). -
Definitive Keeper
For memories to leave strong lasting impressions such as this has. One must assume each one had it's own pungent taste at the time.Isn't it odd,how certain smells,tastes,scenes bring on a special memory? This is worthy of a spot in Readers digest in my concidered opinion.Starts/body story line and wrap up each formed effectively.And the subject matter hold the readers attention well.This would be a keeper in my book.~~Suseann
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amazing
what an amazing piece of writing. The story of this, such hope, such strong spirits. This was very descriptive, I could imagine the scene and this man, and you...doing what needed done. wonderful piece of writing. Love this.
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this does have a nice rhythem to it and is quite deep in its flow you did do well with this one and the content is filled with inspiration and hope
love and light,
Blaze -
I really like the beat of this poem . . . it flows really well. The story is certainly a inspirational one (and the man a brilliant role model) and you have turned it into an amazing poem.
Stay smiling
Polly
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