Just Have to Hold Your Breath

That’s all I had to do, hold my breath. Just hold it till I got high enough. The key wasn’t how long I held it. Enough to get as high up in the sky as I wanted to. And then, breathe. Not deep breaths, but slow shallow ones. Like the kind you do when you’re floating in a swimming pool. Calm relaxed breathing. And there I was, floating in the sky. Drifting ever so slowly down to the ground.

All I had to do was keep my eyes open. Set on where I wanted to go and I’d drift there.

I’d land and jump. Always higher than the one before.

I’d keep going like this.

From grassy fields to high tree tops to snowy mountains. I was going all over. The wind would guide me, but I choose where exactly to go. I could see people below. Can’t imagine what they were thinking, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to stay in the air. My lungs were my wings. And they carried me to where the air was clean and crisp. That meant less people, less civilization, and more trees and rocks. I ran my fingers along all the leaves I went by. Their smooth green veins ran against the tips of my fingers as I soared above. I buried my hands in the soft crisp snow on the mountains when I landed. The cold ran up my arms. It felt good. Everything was so calming. I wanted it to last forever.

But alas.

To Propell

I am a stick, thin, cylindrical, with two propellers at the top. In the right hands, I can twirl over houses and tree tops. Just put me between your flatten hands, spin me, step back, and watch me fly. You’ll see how high I can fly. You’ll wonder when I’ll ever come down. But most of all, you’ll want to fly just as high.

This here is my new buddy, Timmy. His dad kept me away in the attic for years. Probably jealous of my abilities. But fortunately, Timmy here found me. And very fortunate he will be as I’ll dazzle him with my abilities.

Ah, this must be your friends. I get it. Showing me off, just like your dad did. That’s it, go ahead. Give me a try.

You’re going to spin me faster than that.

See. I’m just going to float in front of everyone with that puny attempt.

Ah, and here I go onto the grass. Hurry up. Pick me up. It’s dirty down here. You don’t want me dirty do you? Whoa! And tell your friends to watch their step. Such neanderthals! Come on, already.

Okay. That’s better. Was starting to think you’ve forgotten about me. But that’s absurd.

Now, take your time. There. That’s right. Opposite ends of your hands. Tips of the fingers on one and bottom of the palm with the other. That’s maximizing your power kid. It’s like you already knew. Go for it.

Oh yeah. Look at me go. I’m soaring.

What’s this? Is that what I… yep, yes it is. You’re in luck kid. There’s a breeze and its giving me quite an updraft. Oh this whole time I thought it was you’re spin. I thought wrong. You’re dad was much much stronger. I can barely see over these houses. Your dad though. He was a champ. He definitely got me over them. And that’s without the wind. Ha. You got the winds to help and you’re barely even there. My you look so small from up here. That’s right. Follow me to where I’ll land. Put up your hands and be the first to catch me. Can’t wait now huh?

All of you saw what Timmy can do with me right? You want to see if you’re just as good? Or maybe even better? Let’s see what you got.

Oh. Hey there.

Kinda big to be hanging out with Timmy aren’t you? Don’t got too many friends your age do you? How sad.

But hey, you got me now kid… er… boy. Let me amaze you with my performance. Let me show you that you can dream again. Let me, ewww! Why are the tips of your fingers so sticky? Is that? You know what, I’m not going to think about it. You surely look more capable than Timmy. And there, you got the technique with the hands down. And what’s this? Oh my, unbelievable! You bending your knees. Very impressive. I’m going to get quite a use from you. Now show me what you got.

Perfection!

Look at me.

Just look at me.

And right on que, there’s the updraft.

All you kids below just wish you can fly as high as me. You’re like little ants to me. Oh if you could just feel how good this feels. Soaring above the yard, soaring above the houses, and how’s this for a treat. I’m soaring above the trees. Oh God, look at that. Just look at that sunset. It’s beautiful. Never have I thought I’d see it. The sun. The horizon. The start and end of the days. It’s nothing more than carpet of trees holding up the yolk of the sun. All on the endless canvas of the ocean sky. It’s magnificent.

I’m magnificent.

And I’m, coming down toward those trees. Timmy? Awkwardly large kid? You’re keeping an eye on me right? Following me to where I’ll land, right? You morons can’t see I’m heading into the trees?

Oh fuck.

Just great. Just fucking great. I’m stuck.

Stupid kids.

Serves them right. They don’t deserve me. They can stay down there and play in the mud. I got the best seat on this planet. Best view. Fresh air. I can everything. See the day start. See when it ends. See disaster coming miles away. And most of all, not be bothered by whatever’s down below. Perfect. That sun sure sets fast. Never thought something so lazy can move so fast. Go on. You leave me too. I don’t need your light. I know the saying. How’s it go again? Oh yeah, “it’s lonely at the top.” Pshh, whatever.

Man. How long have I been up here?

Hey! What the hell! Stop it with the rocks! Who’s throwing rocks at me?

Oh, it’s you Timmy. I see how it is. Yeah, you can’t stand me being up here can you? Can’t stand seeing someone you know sitting on top of the world while you’re down there in the dirt. Well, you blew your chance with me. You had me all to yourself, but then you…

Ow! Son of a bitch!

God dang that hurt.

Stop it with the rocks you little douche bag. I’m happy up here. Leave me alone.

Ahhh… you motherfucker! Oh that hurt. That really really hurt. Owww… owww…. Man, who knew getting hit there would hurt so bad. Ssssss… ow. Fuck. I know it’s broke. It’s gotta be broke. Oh dang, it is broke.

Wait. Where am I?

Timmy? How did I get down here?

Hey! No, no, don’t touch that, it’s bro… ow, shit… oh hey, you fixed it.

Well.

Look at that.

Thanks.

I mean, thanks. Really.

Not for fixing me, well that too, but thanks for getting me down. It’s nice up there and all. But you know. I’d rather be here with you. Yeah, I know… I don’t act like it, thinking big and almighty. But, you know, I’m nothing more than a stick… a skinny stick with two little propelly thingies. Just wanted to impress you. Make you to think I was more than just that. But, if that’s all you wanted, you can keep my propeller broken so I don’t fly as high. Ever again. Ever, without you.