Editor’s note: This poem was written in observance of  International Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) Day on October 20.

Up above the airport’s floor
There’s a tower majestically stands
Not with kings and queens nor princes or dukes,
But with men and women making shrewd decisions
Enveloped by navigational gadgets assuming their favorite position;
Mimicking commanders of a space ship
As they give Commanding instructions.

Safety is used as an armored guard
As they stand alert
Enforcing rules and regulations that they have learnt Beforehand.
They must articulate clearly their governed imposed
Phraseologies to forefend wings from tipping
And noses from Kissing
For it could be detrimental and self-inflicting.

Yes it is a serious job!
Serious as serious can be.
Air Traffic Managers hold a critical position
Not a position Of fear but one of awareness.
Safety is priority
As they crave getting the aircraft
In and out expeditiously.
A normal man has a pair of eyes
But an Air Traffic Manger must work with three.

It can get tense
When the traffic is dense
Their assistant must be alert and assertive
For the situation must be choreographed for every sequence.
It is fun
For them every day
Especially when challenges appear and submit in dismay.
Conversing with pilots professionally,
listen to what they have to say,
Adhering and cheering to the good things they have done.
They do not know each other most of the time
But out of respect and pride
They have tremendous reverence
So next time you see an Air Traffic Manager say hello or hi because the
Next time you travel he or she might be the one working ensuring
You get from point A to point B
Safely.