This came about in an odd way. I had no inspiration whatsoever; I did not think about it, but simply let it flow from my mind to the page.

  I have learned to fly. It is a funny thing, flying is, but I have learned to do it. The takeoff is important, the touchdown is important, and everything in between is important, but I have learned to do it. Many have died flying. It is difficult to measure, as is the wind that carries me. But I have learned to do it. A certain friend of mine called me crazy for trying, told me I’d never do it, but I have learned to do it. Years of men flying in airplanes have gone by, and to fly without such a device was said to be impossible. But I, simple, ordinary, unexceptional I, has learned to do it. I have challenged men’s views, everything that they foolishly believe, learned to soar, fly, breathe in the cool summer air, from many feet above Earth. I have learned to do it.