The jump

I stand stock still

the fear in the dark recess

a great animal of prey

I dare not look down but am transfixed

by the clear, blue

sky so vast and beautiful

My fingers inch to the parachute that

clings so tightly to my back.

Will it open?

I think.

Could this be my dying day?

More thoughts

I hear as if from far away

the pilot yelling over the roar

of the engines

This is my cue.

I walk slowly, ever so slowly to

the open door.

A hot trickle of sweat runs

down my neck

The fear has pounced

The wind swirls around me

whispering secrets and stories.

It quiets the sound and fury within me

I listen.

It chases the oozing, black fear

back to the shadowed corners

and dark closets.

I take a deep breath, brace myself and

JUMP