My hands
plot the course
over and upon
terrain that I know
quite intimately

Your eyes glow
within the shadows
of quiet fascination
as you watch me
prepare for takeoff

you, the silent observer

I look over at you
and smile
and in my smile
is the question

"Are you ready for this?"

Your smile
back at me
confirms that yes
indeed you are

I press the "on" button
as soft hums rise
to meet gentle vibrations
they dance
in a charged atmosphere
of great anticipation

as we collectively
hold our breath

My fingers
turn knobs
and hands glide across
the smooth surface
of warmth

on their way
to stroke the lever

and we rise....