Freedom

The building sways slightly as someone jumps off with a scream.

I swallow and keep climbing up the ladder towards the top.

When I reach the top, my youth pastor leaps off with a whoop.

The building leans forward and I look down.

The zip line goes over the lake,

If I fall, there's no way I will still be alive.

Looking out to where it ends, the early morning sun glows brightly.

The woman there attached my ropes to the zip line.

I close my eyes and I don't think...I jump.

A moment of weightlessness makes me nauseous before I open my eyes.

Not a second passes before I realize that I'm enjoying this.

I stretch my arms out and smile.

My fingertips spread out to the side

Soft air curls around my body as my speed increases.

The lake beneath me gleams with the reflection of the sun.

I am flying.

There's nothing that keeps me down up here.

I look up and see a bird so...free.

Just like me.