By Air

Astonishing to think
That not so long ago
First the Brothers Wright
Then Louis Blériot
Initiated flight.

And strapped into a seat
Now we can choose a drink,
Tomato juice, red wine,
Some music or a film
At 30, 000 feet.

Remarkable to know
That aviation fuel,
Once vegetable remains,
Comes from the earth as oil
And energises planes.

Comforting to presume
The cabin’s pressurised
And instruments of flight
Are skilfully devised
To navigate the night.