Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth(1), 
And danced(2) the skies on laughter silvered wings; 
Sunward I've climbed(3) and joined the tumbling mirth(4) 
Of sun-split clouds(5) and done a hundred things(6) 
You have not dreamed of — Wheeled and soared and swung(7) 
High in the sunlit silence (8). Hov'ring there(9) 
I've chased the shouting wind(10) along and flung(11) 
My eager craft through footless halls of air. 
Up, up the long delirious(12), burning blue 
I've topped the wind-swept heights(13) with easy grace, 
Where never lark, or even eagle(14) flew; 
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod 
The high untrespassed sanctity of space(15), 
Put out my hand(16), and touched the face of God. 
 
NOTE: 
1. Pilots must ensure that all surly bonds have been slipped entirely before aircraft taxi or flight is attempted. 
2. During periods of severe sky dancing, crew and passengers must keep seatbelts fastened. Crew should wear shoulder belts as provided. 
3. Sunward climbs must not exceed the maximum permitted aircraft ceiling. 
4. Passenger aircraft are prohibited from joining the tumbling mirth. 
5. Pilots flying through sun-split clouds under VFR conditions must comply with all applicable minimum clearances. 
6. Do not perform these hundred things in front of Civil Aviation Safety Authority inspectors. 
7. Wheeling, soaring, and swinging will not be attempted except in aircraft rated for such activities and within utility class weight limits. 
8. Be advised that sunlit silence will occur only when a major engine malfunction has occurred. 
9. "Hov'ring there" will constitute a highly reliable signal that a flight emergency is imminent. 
10. Forecasts of shouting winds are available from the local BOM. Encounters with unexpected shouting winds should be reported by pilots. 
11. Pilots flinging eager craft through footless halls of air are reminded that they alone are responsible for maintaining separation from other eager craft. 
12. Should any crewmember or passenger experience delirium while in the burning blue, submit an irregularity report upon flight termination. 
13. Windswept heights will be topped by a minimum of 1,000 feet to maintain VFR minimum separations. 
14. Aircraft engine ingestion of, or impact with, larks or eagles should be reported to the CASA and the appropriate aircraft maintenance facility. 
15. Aircraft operating in the high untrespassed sanctity of space must remain in IFR flight regardless of meteorological conditions and visibility. 
16. Pilots and passengers are reminded that opening doors or windows in order to touch the face of God may result in loss of cabin pressure. 

 

Noel

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I remember seeing this annotated version a long time ago, but couldn't find it again. Thanks for sharing, Noel!

Edited November 10, 2025Nov 10 by Luis Hernandez

I believe the poem was written by Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee No 412 squadron RCAF -killed 11 December 1941

Just finished Rembrance Day here in Britain for all those that gave “ Their today’s for our Tomorrow’s “

Never forget

xxd09

John Gillespie McGee Jr.  Was born in China of missionary parents.  His mother was British and his father was an American.

The family was living in the United States when WW2 broke out in Europe.  John went to Canada and enlisted in the RCAF.

He was flying Spitfires when he wrote High Flight.   Shortly after he was killed in a midair collision with another Spitfire.

Noel