Twin Fires Aloft

About this piece

Seen directly from behind, a twin-engine fighter jet spans the frame, its orange exhausts burning against a pale blue sky. Light catches the angular wings and outward-canted tail fins, while heat distortion softens the aircraft and surrounding white vapor. The nearly symmetrical composition holds an impression of immense thrust within a moment of visual suspension.

The story

The year is only two days old, and the sky opens around two points of fire. Wings stretch across the blue, their hard edges giving way to trembling air near the engines. White vapor gathers around the dark body, briefly lending it the softness of cloud. The aircraft moves away, leaving the eye fixed on its twin orange centers.