Jumper

We idolize the jumpers because they had the courage to fly
When we should be learning from the ones who tied makeshift wings to backs
Because they had the courage not to die

Once I feared vertigo like a lullaby
Felt iron beneath toes, poised to release
Spring-loaded hatred for the shackles on my wrists
For tying me down to what I would leave behind
I only wanted to fly

Once I stared down to the rage of turbid waters
I wanted to be swirled into blackness
Feel cold beneath bare feet on railings
Limbo between potential and kinetic energy
The last breath of suspension
I wanted to feel air beneath empty wings

I would be a jumper, I said
I would be free for an instant
I would experience flying
Weightlessness of release

We idolize the hopeless because they lacked shackles to earth
They rose above planets, freed from orbit
We idolize the jumpers because they had the courage to fly
But freed from orbit I thank the shackles that reminded me of
What I would leave behind