The Barnstormer

I spotted him
Slumped over
In his wheelchair,
But even then
I could see he was sizable.
His eyes flashed to life
With my company
And he warmed
To the opportunity
To share his story.
He was ninety-one years old
And had lived
An adventurous and exciting life.
He was one of
The original barnstormers,
The people who made
Aviation history.
He vividly recalled
Flying his biplane
From field to field,
Doing aeronautical stunts,
And watching
As aviation transformed.
He was there
When every one of the airlines
Got their start.
His son was also a pilot
Until he was forced
To retire at sixty-five.
I could feel his passion
For the skies,
And sensed his will
To be up there
Just one more time.