Jumbo Jet

A class exercise. Write about something I know nothing about. This is from the perspective of a passenger on board a Boeing 747. I hope it is evocative of a passenger's feelings, that not knowing yet total trust in the plane and the pilots. I had queries in class about the use of the word stratosphere. For clarification here is a link to the names of the different layers of the atmosphere. http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/Atmosphere/layers.html

Under Review

Jumbo Jet

Announcements give time and speed

five hundred and sixty five miles an hour.

Thoughts meander

Queen Mary’s turning circle,

abilities of Mammoths to glide;

faith or science

push this hollow tube to the stratosphere.

Special entrance; in front, not for passengers

reinforced, code-locked, the office.

I sit.

Questions float in my head.

Point and go or constant tinkering?

Uniformed shadows understand

which button, pedals, that half wheel.

Look through polarised windows to the horizon

seated – rows face forward.