October 2026

poetry

Craft

by Kelly Creighton


I teach myself to fly a plane.

I always think, how hard can it be?

This is a thing that women do.


Last month I sent a request to the pilot

in charge and they have yet to reply, so

I teach myself to fly a plane


because I can’t wait for an offer

of lessons that may never come.

This is a thing that women do


pull a plane door open

and make themselves a place.

I teach myself to fly a plane


over the ocean, avoiding boats

and areas dark with shark and seal.

This is a thing that women do


find a craft of their own and

grant themselves permission to fail.

I teach myself to fly a plane,

this is a thing that women do.


kelly-creighton
Kelly Creighton

Kelly Creighton is the author of one poetry book, two short story collections and five novels. She is a Poetry MA student at Queen’s University. In 2014 she founded The Incubator Journal. Kelly lives in County Down where she facilitates creative writing classes and mentors writers. https://kellycreighton.com


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