Morning Flight

Note: This poem is written in a form known as the OTTAVA RIMA, or Rhyme of Eight. Each verse is 8 lines long, and each line has 8 syllables.

The rhyme scheme is [a b a b a b c c].

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After a bleak and rainy night,

the dawn has birthed another day.

I sense the morning’s growing light,

then grabbing air… up, up, away…

it’s time to spread my wings in flight!

The world awaits, I will not stay;

all caution to the wind I’ve thrown.

I soar the heights, free and alone.

Nothing has ever felt so right!

Upon the breeze I dip and play.

Above the clouds, the sky is bright

while far below, still somewhat gray,

the rainfall stops. Now comes the sight

of sunshine breaking nighttime’s sway.

As thunder mumbles one last groan,

the land once more by daytime owned.

Flapping my wings with all my might,

the fields and streams below me lay.

I drift and float, a stringless kite

to ride the currents come what may.

Freedom hard won, I hold it tight

and wait out nighttime storms. You say

for doubt and fear I must atone?

Ha! With the dawn, you’ll find I’ve flown.

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