The Tin Roof

We were up on the rooftops playing what I wanted to believe was baseball, but it was really more like stick ball. No one had a real bat or even a baseball. We had whatever we found in the neighborhood, which was evidently a stick, and of course, a ball. That was a luxury, an actual bouncing ball and not some, well, rock. It worked out great. It was beige and hollow so no matter how hard you hit it, it wouldn’t go that far. Ideal given where we were playing.

All of us were poor. We lived here the slums. And for fun, after supper, we’d sneak away from our parents, climbed our roofs and played baseball.

Our homes were close together, each roof separated by a foot or two. It was dangerous enough for us to fall through. But we we didn’t care. The height was nothing. We were more scared of getting hurt by the cheap aluminum ridged sheets or the splintering plywood that was our rooftops. But we played this many times before. Every step and every jump was memorized. That was why we started where we did, from our homes, every time. Whoever had the ball last was the pitcher and whoever had a stick was the batter. The rules were simple.

I had a stick. I climbed up from my window. It was easier that way. The frame acted as a ladder for me. I was small. Young. Nimble. Like a monkey. I reached out and grabbed the edge of the roof. I swung out and pulled myself up. I squatted on my tin roof. My flip flops pressed a bump making the metal pop. I was anxious.

The sun stung my eyes as they adjusted from the darkness below. I waited for all the silhouettes to rise. One person at a time rose up from the uneven, patch worked, baseball field. Most were close to me. They were all my friends. I didn’t know the ones off in the distant too well. We only knew each other through this game. And our only interaction was when I hit the ball to them. I couldn’t even make out their faces. The sun would warp their figures making them look like a dark blurry orange glob that only had limbs when it waved or caught the ball. And that would rarely happen since I couldn’t hit the ball that far.

When the field was full, I rose and got into my stance. I held my stick with my hands against my right shoulder, pivoting till I felt solid. I bobbed my bat and yelled.

“Let’s play!”

I saw the the windup.

I braced and anticipated.

I never knew why we never lost the ball.

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.