PASSAGE

When the jet sprang into the sky,

it was clear why the city

had developed the way it had,

seeing it scaled six inches to the mile.

There seemed an inevitability

about what on ground had looked haphazard,

unplanned and without style

When the jet sprang into the sky.

Word Meaning:

• Jet: A fast aircraft that flies at high altitudes.
• Inevitability: The quality of being certain to happen; something unavoidable.
• Haphazard: Lacking any obvious principle of organization; random or unplanned.
• Scaled: Represented in size or proportion, often used in maps or models.
• Unplanned: Not arranged or organized in advance; spontaneous.

Explanation:

This poem reflects on the relationship between aerial views and urban development. As the jet ascends into the sky, it reveals the city’s layout, which may have previously appeared chaotic or unplanned from the ground. The phrase “scaled six inches to the mile” suggests that from a distance, one can better understand the city’s structure, revealing an underlying order amidst apparent randomness. The notion of “inevitability” indicates that, despite its seemingly haphazard development, the city’s growth follows a natural course. This contrast between ground-level perception and aerial perspective emphasizes how different viewpoints can alter our understanding of a place, highlighting themes of perspective, order, and the interconnectedness of urban environments.

PASSAGE

When the jet reached ten thousand feet,

it was clear why the country

had cities where the rivers ran

and why the valleys were populated.

The logic of geography —

that land and water attracted man —

was clearly delineated

When the jet reached ten thousand feet.

Word Meaning:

• Delineated: Described or represented with precision; clearly marked out.
• Geography: The study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, and how these features influence human activity.
• Populated: Inhabited; filled with people.
• Logic: A systematic or reasoned approach to understanding.

Explanation:

In this, the ascent of the jet to ten thousand feet reveals the relationship between geography and human settlement. From this height, it becomes evident why certain areas are populated, particularly where rivers flow and valleys exist. The phrase “the logic of geography” highlights the natural attraction that land and water hold for human beings, suggesting that geography plays a crucial role in the development of cities and communities. The use of “clearly delineated” indicates that this understanding is both evident and structured when viewed from above, reinforcing the idea that human habitation is influenced by natural features. This emphasizes themes of environmental connection, the rationale behind human settlement patterns, and the intricate relationship between nature and society.

PASSAGE

When the jet rose six miles high,

it was clear the earth was round

and that it had more sea than land.

Word Meaning:

• Rose: Ascended or moved upwards.

Explanation:

This passage captures a moment of realization as the jet ascends six miles high. At this altitude, the speaker gains a clear perspective of the Earth’s shape, recognizing it as round. The observation that “it had more sea than land” underscores the vastness of the oceans in relation to the continents. This statement highlights the planet’s geographical reality and reinforces a sense of awe regarding Earth’s natural features. The poem emphasizes themes of perspective and the profound insights that come from viewing the world from a distance, inviting reflection on humanity’s place within the larger context of the Earth’s geography.

PASSAGE

But it was difficult to understand

that the men on the earth found

causes to hate each other, to build

walls across cities and to kill.

From that height, it was not clear why.

Explanation:

In this stanza, the speaker reflects on the perplexing nature of human conflict from the elevated perspective of the jet. Despite the breathtaking view of the Earth, it becomes challenging to comprehend the reasons behind the hatred and violence that lead people to erect barriers and commit acts of aggression. The phrase “it was not clear why” highlights the stark contrast between the beauty of the world and the harsh realities of human behavior. This juxtaposition emphasizes themes of disconnection and confusion regarding human nature, questioning why individuals choose division and hostility instead of unity. The overall sentiment evokes a sense of sorrow for the inability to understand the complexities of human relationships, even when viewed from an expansive and seemingly peaceful vantage point.