War and History Poetry posted December 10, 2011 |
Claim to Fame in a Name?
Fly Like a BIRD
by closetpoetjester
FLY LIKE A BIRD Her dream to fly as soon as she would walk A love of scaling fences, climbing trees First words were "eppy plane" once she could talk Ambition's wings had launched her in the breeze Left school and worked for father, aged thirteen First flight fuelled pilot's passion ever more Charles Kingsford Smith in time would grace her scene Five years on, his tuition saw her soar She barnstormed fairs impressing awestruck crowds Then duty called, she answered free of fear Life's fate found her alone amidst the clouds Proved Aussie aviation pioneer An air show win would navigate her course But World War two broke out, home she returned She trained Oz women pilots for the force Awarded with each set of wings she'd spurned It surely seems there's destiny in name As Nancy Bird grew wings and flew to fame ... (C) |
'Earlette' Challenge contest entry
Recognized |
Born in Sydney, Australia in 1915 Nancy Bird is aptly named.
She was the first female pilot in the Commonwealth to carry passengers.
Nancy was among Sir Charles Kingsford Smith's first pupils.
After gaining her commercial licence she was approached to set up a flying medical service in the outback
of New South Wales, Australia. She covered territory not yet reached by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
She competed in the 1936 air race when commercial aviation was still in its infancy and won the Ladies Trophy
for her journey from Adelaide to Brisbane.
She flew in the outback for a number of years and then headed off to Europe to do promotional work.
Nancy returned when World War Two broke out and trained women pilots in skills needed to back up the men in the force.
She supported many charities and her generous spirit earned her an Order of the British Empire in 1966.
I found this lady truly inspiring and she also shares the same surname as my mother's maiden name ...
so I am now wondering whether I may have some famous "Birds" for ancestors. LOL
I must go google my family tree!
Thanks to The Earl of Oxford for providing a wonderful contest to participate in.
However history is NOT my strong point.
This contest called for an Earlette...similar to a Sonnet but with an extra stanza.
The theme for this contest was a historical figure.
References: "Oz" = Australia
Thanks for reading ...
You need to login or register to write reviews. It's quick! We only ask four questions to new members.
© Copyright 2024. closetpoetjester All rights reserved.
closetpoetjester has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.