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 even 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.
John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
My pleasure. It’s one of my favorites too. I remember the first time I heard it was at the end of this made for tv movie about the Challenger shuttle. The had a voice over of it going during the countdown as they showed each astronaut’s (well, the actor’s) face.
What tribute you all have paid to a great man. A true hero.. Love the poem too. My dad was a pilot in WWII. I gave him a copy of the poem etched on a plaque for his 50th birthday. He had tears in his eyes when he read it.
Both Neil armstrong’s passing, and the story behind the poem, brought a tear to my eye. I think the phrase “reluctant hero” applies to both gentlemen. RIP.
A very sad day…
”High Flight”
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 even 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.
John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
Perfect. Thank you.
You found the perfect poem, Al-Baba.
I meant “Ali-Baba” not “Al-Baba”.
One of my favorite poems. Thank you.
My pleasure. It’s one of my favorites too. I remember the first time I heard it was at the end of this made for tv movie about the Challenger shuttle. The had a voice over of it going during the countdown as they showed each astronaut’s (well, the actor’s) face.
I remember seeing that TV Movie, Ali-Baba
It was so very fitting for the end 
Ronald Reagan quoted it in his speech the day of the Challenger disaster, January 28, 1986.
Used to have a copy of this on my fridge. See link for more info on author and significance of poem. http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/highflig.htm
Tears. Lovely.
Oh. That is so beautiful.
Reading that gives sends a shiver through me. How perfectly appropriate. Thanks, Ali-Baba… and thank you, Mr. Armstrong.
in space, nobody can hear you bleen.
http://wellthatsjustgreat.tumblr.com/image/30192706207
A fitting CO tribute: Heel Pawstrong, the first canine in history to howl on the moon, not at it.
lol
His fellow astromutt, Snoopy, is back in the landing unit, informing Mission Control that the beagle has landed.
Farewell, Mr. Armstrong.
You can tell he’s returning because he’s facing the other way…
who else LOVES mr. mutt’s cute little space-boots???
the beagle has landed!!!
The sweet pup’s woeful expression says it all – Godspeed, Mr. Armstrong!
A true hero, a gentleman and the epitome of bravery and class. He will be missed.
What Saffron said, better than I could.
Definitely well said, Saffron
the pic is a lovely choice for this moment.
Beautiful tribute. RIP Mr. Armstrong. ♥
Neil will once again be watching over Earth from above. RIP.
Even the Moons Blue this Month (31 August) http://www.livescience.com/21986-august-blue-moon.html
but we must remember he was 82, a ripe age and a full life and a quick death. only the good are so lucky.
This is mostly true, IMHO wannadance. We who are left behind can forgive ourselves for being greedy though !
Mr. Armstrong said he was a “white socks, pocket protector, nerdy engineer”. He left out the “nerves of steel” part.
Thanks for being here, sir. You were the right man in the right place at the right time. I hope we can someday carry on your legacy.
And walk in your footsteps on the lunar surface.
What tribute you all have paid to a great man. A true hero.. Love the poem too. My dad was a pilot in WWII. I gave him a copy of the poem etched on a plaque for his 50th birthday. He had tears in his eyes when he read it.
Both Neil armstrong’s passing, and the story behind the poem, brought a tear to my eye. I think the phrase “reluctant hero” applies to both gentlemen. RIP.