The Most Beautiful Thing In The World..
(1973/74)
The most beautiful thing in the world
Is this aircraft's wing.
On a sky of sliding blue it bends
As night descends.
Crisp outline! Unbelievably sharp and grey,
Engines below, tucked away
Droning, roaring on with unseen verve
And power in reserve.
I'll never come to accept this flying-thing,
Like a tree or neighbour or the start of day.
The thrust of Whitney-Pratts and curved back wing
That carries me away.
The masterly control of solid force
The strength of airframe and directed course.
Nor could I ever even half ignore
The take-off surge and sky-bound engine roar!