KNIGHTS OF THE AIR
(An ode to WWI pilots)
by Ron "Modar" Knight
4/15/97
Streaking across the sky
like warrior knights
astride great steeds,
these soldiers of the air
begin a new era of chivalry.
Their mounts are canvas
stretched over fragile frames
and struts holding two wings
upon a wooden seat astride
a motor of surging power.
Their weapons are new,
not like the lances of old,
the name of Lewis and Vickers
take the field this day
to unseat their opponents.
Their battlefield stretches wide
allowing, nay requiring, agility
never before seen in combat,
yet for all of its size
there are limits to its use.
Their conflicts are quickly over
but the ferocity while they last
is intense beyond words
with twists, turns and rolls
the steadiest wins out.
Yet through it all remains
the one aspect of battle
that stretches back in time
to an epoch now oft forgot,
the respect and concept of honor.
©1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
2005, 2006, 2007 Ron Knight/Modar Neznanich
©2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Ron Knight/Modar Neznanich