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This week Poetry Thursday focuses on cliches. One of my favourite cliches is "a wing and a prayer," which means hopeful, but unlikely to succeed. The expression originated in WWI, when airplanes were still largely untested.
"A wing and a prayer" was first uttered when an American flyer came in with a badly-damaged wing. His fellow pilots and mechanics were amazed he didn't crash. He replied that he was praying all the way. Another pilot quipped "a wing and a prayer brought you back."
A wing and a prayer in Iraq
A wing and a prayer
is how he's governing
never quite grasping the reality
ignoring experts' advice
A wing and a prayer
is how Congress is trying
to make him see reason
and change course
A wing and a prayer
is how soldiers are managing
without proper equipment
targeted from all directions
A wing and a prayer
is how they're coping
the families left behind
waiting for safe homecoming
A wing and a prayer
is how Iraqis get through the day
without being caught in the crossfire
or blown up by a bomb
A wing and a prayer
is how we're hoping
the Iraqi government
accepts responsibility and takes action
A wing and a prayer
is how Jordan's helping
the massive influx of refugees
fleeing Iraq's sectarian violence
A wing and a prayer
is how they're trying
to stem the tide of rage
threatening the region
A wing and a prayer
is how we'll struggle
to recover from these dark days
find peace and stability
Heartbreaking - and ironic that the expression comes from another (albeit far more justified) war-time era. So well done.
Posted by: twilightspider | 12 January 2007 at 21:27
I am so appreciative that someone is finally writing, thinking, talking, whatever from the way I have seen things from the beginning. I actually wrote a poem on Sept 11, 2001. I am not going to get all political-but you are so right, and that makes the beauty of this poem really shine through.
Posted by: chris | 12 January 2007 at 20:17
Hi,
Enjoyed reading the background info regarding this cliche.You wove that into your poem quite well.
I'm in accord with you for the thoughts you aptly express.
Posted by: Gel | 12 January 2007 at 19:41
such a good use of this cliche...thank you for sharing it...
and yes, yes, yes...i am right there with you.
Posted by: liz elayne | 12 January 2007 at 07:19
I guess politics and poetry do mix. I'll always hear a wing and a prayer differently now.
Posted by: sarala | 12 January 2007 at 06:36
A good use of the cliche! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Posted by: Dani | 12 January 2007 at 02:55
A great poem, Tara. It's right on and so sad.
Posted by: jzr | 12 January 2007 at 02:36
I'm sooo sorry about George Bush. (I didn't vote for him, but feel I must apologize to the world). He can only last another eleven months, well, ten months, twenty days, twelve hours, five minutes, and twenty-0ne seconds....
Posted by: pepek | 11 January 2007 at 20:23
Fantastic poem! I love the repetition and your use of this phrase...it is anything but cliche.
Posted by: Emily | 11 January 2007 at 16:47
Hi Tara! happy New Year!!! I have problems with my computer but keep reading you! sooooooo good poem and writtings as always! keep going! thank you to be there and express what a lot of ous think.
besos!
Posted by: catalina | 11 January 2007 at 15:19
"a wing and a prayer"
yup, that's the whole world right now.
Posted by: [a} | 11 January 2007 at 14:41
I hadn't known that was where that phrase came from. Your poem is very true.
Posted by: Crafty Green Poet | 11 January 2007 at 13:23
I love the way you keep me informed and are able to turn your hand to many things doing it pp!
Posted by: chiefbiscuit | 11 January 2007 at 08:23
the poem is terrific and I really really (really) like the image you chose to put next to it
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 11 January 2007 at 06:42
Appropriate indeed... a wing and a prayer as to who will govern us after the next election...
Posted by: Regina Clare Jane | 11 January 2007 at 04:52
His speech tonight: same old, same old.
Posted by: Colette | 11 January 2007 at 03:50
i love your poems and this one, speaks volumes, especially tonight.
Posted by: kristen | 11 January 2007 at 03:47
Wow! You picked the perfect cliche and gave it a whole new meaning!! Right on!
Tara.....thank you SO much for leaving me such wonderful comments today on my blog. I am genuinely touched.......and so encourage by your thoughtful words.
Take good care......
Posted by: awareness | 11 January 2007 at 02:21
Tara,
The populace will continue to send him messages on a wing and a prayer, hoping he'll hear the hoof beats.
rel
Posted by: rel | 11 January 2007 at 01:14
Tara ~ the poem is perfect! I enjoyed the history of the wing & a prayer ~ thankyou xo
Posted by: miss*R | 10 January 2007 at 22:34
Phenomenally put!!! You captured the true essence of a government not soon to be forgotten. Bless you for abbreviating such a huge mess, into a great piece of work!
Hugs Giggles
Posted by: giggles | 10 January 2007 at 21:37
I'm praying angels will keep our country and soldiers (and the many innocent civilians there) under their wing.
Posted by: tinker | 10 January 2007 at 21:32
Hmmm, so painfully true---almost tear-inducing. You've done so well with this extended metaphor, dear Tara.
Posted by: Laura | 10 January 2007 at 21:02
Good poem and thanks for the information.
Posted by: Brian | 10 January 2007 at 20:37
Very good post Tara. Lots of blame to go around with a bit of praise thrown in (thank you Jordan) and a bottomless well of hope for those waiting at home, trying to survive to get home, and survive IN their homes.
Posted by: AnnieElf | 10 January 2007 at 17:56
Loved the poster and I had no idea of the history of 'a wing and a prayer."
Your poem nailed everything...Excellent! XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 10 January 2007 at 17:55
It'll take alot of prayer, many angel wings and years to overcome the damage already done.
Posted by: Gemma | 10 January 2007 at 16:24
Beautifully done--I loved the poem and the poster's sentiments...had never heard the origin of this phrase either. Thank you for sharing this.
Love,
D.
Posted by: Delia | 10 January 2007 at 15:51
I didn't know that about the meaning of a wing and a prayer! Your poem is very timely and accurate. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your perspective.
Posted by: ally bean | 10 January 2007 at 14:05
Very good synopsis. Let's see what he has to say in his speech later today/tonight . . .
Posted by: tut-tut | 10 January 2007 at 14:00