The Journey Poem by Lynne Howard

Arriving at the airport by rail or by car
To depart on a journey to lands afar
Luggage all tagged and documents cleared
Time for security check like cattle are steered

Off come the shoes, jackets and keys
Disappearing down the conveyor belt to be x-rayed with ease
Step through the door with relative calm
Until a metal adornment sets off the alarm

Security personnel become fully alert
Magic wand in hand, let's hope it doesn't hurt
Arms outstretched, legs spread apart
Forget your dignity, the goosing doth start

Finally on board ready to depart
Sitting comfortably belted with a happy heart
Safety instructions given, doors secured with care
Plane races down the runway ascending into the air

Once altitude reached, in-flight service commences
With delights to savour our most discerning of senses
Trolley dollies move with amazing agility
Down tiny cramped aisles starved of mobility

Dinner is served, chicken or pasta
Sometimes inedible but not a complete disaster
If shaken and stirred with a beverage or wine
As turbulence always plays its part at this time

Time to relax for duration of the flight
With music or a movie, giving cabin crew respite
Recline the seat, rest the eyes, bring thoughts to the fore
Hearing only drone of engines and an occasional snore

A new day dawns, breakfast is served
Then the captain's voice is heard
In preparation for descent
Landing cards filled in and pennies spent

The plane descends, the ears they do pop
Nervous travellers wondering if this plane will stop
Levels out and landing gear dropped with a groan
Hits the tarmac with a slight bump and then we're home