People Sunward I’ve Climbed David Reeder May 14, 2015 Join the Conversation The post we ran earlier today about Jetman reminded me of this…I hadn't thought of it in years. When I was a kid this was what they'd play at midnight on Tulsa's OETA Channel 11. Sometimes I'd stay up late just to watch it; sometimes I'd have to get back out of the rack once my parents were asleep to do so. I love this poem, and despite the quality I love the video. The poem was written by John Gillespie Magee, an American pilot flying in the Royal Canadian Air Force at the beginning of WWII. He was killed while flying a Spitfire in a midair collision over England in 1941. “Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air…. Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace. Where never lark, or even eagle flew — And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, – Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.” Explore RECOILweb:New: Gen 2 Delta Eagle JacketGoodbye California - APEX Relocates to ArizonaBlade-Tech Competition BeltAKM Build Project: From Poland With Love NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.