Immediacy

A Paratrooper Poem.

Micro seconds larger than eternity.
"Stand up, hook up... Greenlight Go!"
Commands echoed with breathless anticipation.

Standing on weak legs and
With nauseous stomach,
Time stretched on forever.

Arms outstretched.
Small steps towards the open door.
Lead feet shuffling slowly: a death dance.

A turn towards fate.
A leap.
The unforgettable roar and semi-truck blast of wind.

Head over heels plumeting to earth.
The great catch of your parachute.
Like the hand of God reaching down.

A look skyward.
Check canopy. No twists. A steady descent.
No obstacles.

A deep breath of relief.
I am okay.
I am alive.

Airborne.