The times we slipped on the surly bonds of the Earth 

Then we would dance the skies on silver wings

Sunward we’ve climbed, and joined the mirth

Through sun-split clouds; done many million things.

You could dream of soaring and swinging the sky, 

Going through in the sunlit sky and silent

We’ve chased wind through the skies up high 

To be able to feast on a banquet

Up, up the long and devastating burning blue

We’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace

Where never lark, or eagle flew.

Soaring through the skies without a small trace

The sky angels are singing and calling my name

The smell of daisies and of engine oil, 

My soul the angels will proclaim

Drifted off without any tough recoil 

We rose as one, a swarm of aircraft soaring through 

Beams of luminosity , danced round ‘bout 

Without any of us being daft

Inside our cockpits, some feeble redoubt. 

The engines roared and the wind groaned louder outside, 

I’ll long to miss the good calm times of great fun trips, 

Twas far below on the ground did it hide,

That did my inner fears long to eclipse. 

Stay sleeping friend, for I will not be here for long, 

I’ll come tonight to say to you goodbye, 

I want you to stay and be strong, 

And for a brief moment with you close lie. 

I will leave to you my wings, of so proudly worn,

‘I fought over England’s pastures green,’ 

To go to the battle unborn, 

‘Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.’  

The times we slipped on the surly bonds of the Earth    

Then we would dance the skies on silver wings  

Sunward we’ve climbed , and joined the mirth   

Through sun-split clouds; done many million things.