As I watch the lines of rain race across the window

And listen to the roar of engines that drown out my tinnitus,

I wonder what this journey holds.

It seems that the entire airplane is creaking and snapping. I wish I knew what caused the noises.

The purser reads from her Smart Phone, but my plugged ears and her robot voice obscure most of what she says.

(the airlines count on passengers being asleep by now, or generally tuned out‎ one way or another).

But the bright sky, and the glistening clouds below are like a magic transport to another dimension.

On we push, rocking and rolling toward Reno.

You can bet I have my seat belt fastened!

Happy to see clear skies and the bright lights of Indianapolis.

—Jean Schulz