Considerate flying

I’m not what you’d call a frequent flyer, but I’ve had a decent share of airport walks and reconstituted airline oxygen. And I’m no stranger to weird neighbours, pesky kids, and smelly socks.

Remember when the person seated behind you jabbed their TV monitor so hard that it disrupted your sleep?

I do.

Or when the person next to you is watching such an inappropriate movie that you want to curl up and look away?

Yes.

Well, these are the little things that create big impacts. That’s why I loved what I saw on my recent Alaska Air flight.

Alaska Air
Alaska Air

And of all the airlines I’ve travelled on, Alaska Air stands a class apart. And it’s not just because some of their domestic flights offer complimentary beer. They prioritise passenger comfort—even their crew uniforms are casual and comfortable.

The first time I only booked on Alaska, it was because the other budget airline I was leaning towards increased prices just before I purchased. I had to forego my preference at the last minute and settle for Alaska. But hey—free Biscoff and beer—what a lucky scenario!

Is a song

This way or that
all ways are right
as fluid as gender
not rigid as religion
both lengthy and short
some symmetric and not
home to the iambs and i ams
tolerant of unknown licenses
inclusive of worldly cultures
comments sensible or otherwise
the backbone of every tradition
is a song, a poem, a hearty welcome

The seeker

Running up the mountain
and dashing into caves
chasing the darkness
only to lose the light
out of breath and bread
still reaching no where
struggles mighty warrior
finding no outlet for suffering
turns soldier inward instead
to pause, to think, to reflect
finds master, life’s meaning

Fly, my friend

Up above the world
so high and ever so big
looming over crowds
laughing at the clouds
soaring above the seas
setting alight the skies
blowing up our hearts
ballooning, our past time

Onwards she goes

With a new name
and a new home
across the nations
crossing all barriers
walks along and alone
a brave young maiden
for whom there’s none
to care for, to take care
only self and possessions
with clothes on her back
and books in her backpack
onwards she goes, fearless
for she’s got nothing to lose
all the world to gain and more
steadfast as the winning tortoise
passing by the hares and stares
takes on this bright new venture
this, a solo traveller’s adventure