Design-Induced Pilot Error Poem by Gary Witt

Design-Induced Pilot Error

Rating: 4.9


When I have crashed
For the last time,
Will the one sent
To sift through wreckage
For my soul's black box
Conclude that the pilot
Of this broken craft,
In his last moments
Reached for one switch,
But touched another,
Adjacent and identical,
That shut off the fuel
Instead of moving to reserves?

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
R H 11 May 2008

The language and imagery are tightly contained yet the thought provoking question that you throw out seems to know no bounds.... Love the image of your 'soul's black box' especially.. Another contemplative gem here Gary. justine

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Tom J. Mariani 07 May 2008

There is several ways to ask this question without a pilot's license. You have used the concrete experience of flying very effectively. Tom

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Gary - I have tempted fate more than once with always the same answer. My time will come when my star has finally crossed the sky. Not yet. Great poem! Cheryl

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Greenwolfe 1962 28 April 2008

That's a very interesting question, and one I address directly in my poem 'Acceptance Of Fate '. What a starting question for philosophy and discovery. GW62

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