Santiago Sunrise

Summary

The text "Santiago Sunrise" is a poetic narrative of an author's flight experience, capturing the anticipation and wonder of witnessing the first South American sunrise from a plane.

Abstract

"Santiago Sunrise" is a vivid, poetic account of a journey by air, encapsulating the sensory and emotional experiences of the author as they fly on LAN flight 800 towards Santiago. The author describes the awe-inspiring moment of seeing the sun rise over the Andes, painting a picture of the plane as a predatory eagle hovering in the morning sky. The narrative conveys a mix of adrenaline, anticipation, and fatigue that comes with long-distance travel, as well as the monotony of airport queues and the disorientation of jet lag. The piece concludes with the author settling into the new environment, reflecting on the beauty of the first Santiago sunrise and the excitement of the unknown that lies ahead for this traveler from Australia.

Opinions

The author expresses a profound sense of wonder and excitement at the sight of the South American sunrise, highlighting the beauty of the Andes from an aerial view.
There is a palpable sense of anticipation and a mix of emotions, including the rush of adrenaline and the physical toll of travel, depicted through vivid imagery and metaphors.
The experience of flying and the subsequent jet lag are portrayed as both exhilarating and exhausting, with the body clock being thrown off balance.
The author seems to find a moment of peace and reflection after the journey, appreciating the simple pleasures of a walk and a meal in a new city.
The poem suggests a sense of camaraderie among travelers, all hoping to escape the tedium of airport queues and the challenges of navigating a foreign language and culture.
The author, identified as David Rudder, shares a personal connection to the experience, hinting at a sense of adventure and discovery as a "fellow from down under" encountering the wonders of Santiago.

Flight.

Photograph by Author.

The jet engines roar above the clouds The blood-red dawning rises in the east The very first South American sunrise The adrenalin and pulse are both increased.

On the jet flight LAN eight hundred We sit suspended in sardine wrappers The tab is pulled and opens up The Andes to morning nappers.

Like a giant predatory eagle We hover in the blue morning sky The rugged hills and snow-capped tops Embedded deep in my mind’s eye.

Midst thumps and screaming engines New blood courses through each vein The anticipation and tired exhaustion The question could this be all in vain.

Long lines of bedraggled travelers We all hope this is the last time in a while That we’ll be queuing in these endless lines Like beaten soldiers in single file.

Each step traipsing to the minivan The feet feel like lead cast boots A different language signs and sights Aussies from overseas are new recruits.

Flying into the rising sun Full days fly by in seconds The body clock has gone askew Much more than my mind reckons.

The sleep beckons as nighttime falls A brisk walk-in tree-lined street A quick café evening meal Then time to slip between the sheets.

The first Santiago sunrise A new dawning full of wonder And the suspense of the unknowns From this fellow from down under.

David Rudder 2013

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