The Skydiver

THE SKYDIVER

While talking with a friend last night

He spoke of taking his first flight

And jumping from an airplane door

To fall five thousand feet or more.

As wind was rushing past his face

He felt that he had conquered space

And plunging head first toward the ground

A sense of calm grew all around.

While clinging to the master's girth

And looking down upon the earth

He seemed to be suspended there

But still was plunging through the air.

Then only feet before impact

When there was barely time to act

He pulled the cord, deployed the chute

And issued Heaven a salute.

Then settling gently to the ground

He looked calmly all around

Said with a twinkle in his eye

I think I'll give this one more try.

Then to the plane, the stair ascended

One more free fall he intended.

Into the air the plane took flight

‘Till it was nearly out of sight.

It circled gently in the sky

And he began to wonder why.

This foolish game he chose to play

And hoped he’d make one more the day.

He once again approached the door

And took the leap to once more soar

With outstretched arms, flew like a bird

The rush of air was all he heard.

The flight was short, the earth rushed up.

The landing, solid and abrupt.

On shaking legs he tried to rise

That he could walk was a surprise.

Since he had nearly reached the brink

It gave him pause, it made him think

I feel I’m running out of luck

It may be time to give this up.

Copyright 2009 R. D. Bruss