What He Saw

At five, he saw with his eyes so wide,
A plane across the sky gleam and glide.
At five, he did wonder and think,
About these flying objects; didn't sleep a wink.
At five, he searched the sky, running around in his street,
Hoping to catch a glimpse of this treasure so sweet.

At ten, he saw his paper plane sore ever so high,
With envy the other kids did sigh.
At ten, he tore a sheet from his book,
Expertly folding down the corners and crooks.
At ten, he crafted a plane out of his hands,
And made it fly across imaginary lands.

At fifteen, he saw his mother carefully wipe
Her eyes, her smudged kohl left a wobbly stripe.
At fifteen, he touched his father's feet and asked for his blessing,
Told his sister he'd be home soon, she needn't be fussing.
At fifteen, he kissed his girlfriend goodbye (promising he'll see her again),
As he left home to train, and at last fly a plane.

At twenty, he saw his name printed on the uniform,
He had undeniably stirred up quite the storm -
At twenty, those twice his age listened to him when he spoke,
Everyone agreed his leadership skills could persuade and provoke.
At twenty, his fellow men marvelled as he led the forces with remarkable skill,
With fear, the hearts of his enemies stood still.

He never saw twenty five.