From Dan in Halifax
There's a Walt Whitman poem that figures prominently in the 1986 film, Dead Poets Society:
O Captain My Captain
...a classic
Dan. I decided to start another post. As you know this poem is a metaphor of Abraham Lincoln's death and the end of the civil war. The captain being Lincoln and the ship - the United States.
I saw the movie, Dead Poet Society starring Robin Williams. I don't watch many movies but this one is my top five. The gist of the movie for me was don't watch the world go by from the standard point of view....switch the seating around, change the batting order and take up the challenge!
I would tell you another connotation (it's associated with a joke) to this title...O Captain My Captain...but it would steal the main intent...ahem..... :)
Dan. Your posts sure come my way with deep thought! You're a thinker!
O Captain my Captain Doug :)
O Captain my Captain! our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weathered every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:
- But O heart! heart! heart!
- O the bleeding drops of red,
- Where on the deck my Captain lies,
- Fallen cold and dead.
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills;
For you bouquets and ribboned wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding;
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
- Here Captain! dear father!
- This arm beneath your head;
-
It is some dream that on the deck,
- You’ve fallen cold and dead.
- You’ve fallen cold and dead.
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchored safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;
From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;
- Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!
- But I, with mournful tread,
-
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
- Fallen cold and dead.
11 comments:
Doug:
As the kids say, OMG!
Never thought that a comment of mine would become a FLIGHT DECK post.
________________________________
Dead Poets Society. Who would've thought that inspired teaching would be so compelling to watch. Another example is Finding Forrester [with Sean Connery]
__________
A good teacher can bring out your potential. A bad one can break your spirit.
__________
During your Flying Instructor days, did you ever come across a student who at first did not look promising? Your gut told you that they had potential even though they may not have thought so?
If so, then how did you manage to UNLOCK their pilot potential?
_______________________________
Well, Daniel, may I say something that I witnessed? It has nothing to do with flight instruction but everything to do with unlocking potential.
Captain Doug was only in my class for about an hour. YET, in that time, he demonstrated a special sensitivity towards two students that needed that..."extra" something. (I can't get into details but he seemed to "know" who needed more from him).
In that short time, Captain Doug was able to inspire these two children on some level because their parents spoke to me days later to thank me for having Doug in the class.
You have to be a special type of person to do that.
Dan. Yes, I came across students who lacked the confidence but they had "it" in them.
One lady I mentored quite a bit with extra instruction. I finally let her go solo and the praise and elation never stopped for her.
I received letters and cards months and years later.
There is a saying, "the slower pilot to learn makes for a better pilot." For what it's worth.
But that gut feeling didn't stop when I flew professionally. Once in the simulator I was given a so called weak candidate. I was doing my command upgrade ride and I could tell they wanted to "nail" the F/O. Him and I did a great job with MOT sitting in as well.
During the debriefing, I mentioned the fact I thought everyone was giving "so and so" a hard time.
Well....that went back to flight operations and I was pulled in the office. Again, this was NOT with my present company. This was many moons ago.
The ironic thing is, this gentleman is now captain and has been for years.
Never give up!
Captain Doug
Giulia...all I can say is "charmer" and "thank you." :)
Giulia! [Great to hear from you]
___________________________
Actually, your anecdote does give some insight, a glimpse, into Doug's style when dealing with Flying students. That's my guess.
________
I hope that photos or video were taken during his visit. Maybe the Librarian can catalogue them into the school library's collection. Or, someday, the city Archives may be interested in donated copies.
Doug:
Interesting. Slow learners...The author of The Natural Way To Draw said the same thing about art students.
_____________________
That showed character, speaking up that way... Most probably wouldn't. Fascinating to hear about the things that go on...Like an ocean that seems calm and safe, but just below the surface...danger lurks.
Dan. Yes, I did stick up for the guy, but now a little birdie in my ear says, "bite your tongue Doug."
Dan I agree wholeheartedly...and the older I get the more I realize...many things are just "smoke and mirrors."
Great analogy.
Doug
Hi Daniel :)
I did take pictures. I sent some to Doug too. They are really cute, especially since it was Pyjama Day at the school....a fundraising activity. Captain Doug looked out of place in his uniform. :)
Hi Dan, Giulia. i wish I could have posted some photos on my blog but it would not be prudent for the kid's sake.
Again, it was a great day and "Mrs. D" did NOT look out of place in her uniform. :)
...and the pink fuzzy slippers...
Ha ha
And how could I forget about the pink fuzzy slippers. :)
Post a Comment