A Skydiver Reconsiders
I guess I saw the hatch swing wide,
And the sudden patch of blue--
The engine's roar, the shriek of air,
- the terrifying void--
- I stared with popping eyes at
- Mother earth below
- And saw her beckon to her errant son,
- as loving me too much,
- And calling hurry home.
- The metaphor dissolved and then a
- sterner thought intruded:
- Unyielding Travis at the Alamo
Who traced his sword upon the sand
And let each conscience reprimand
To cross the fatal line or no--
Yet no discredit gave to those
Who chose to flee, the story goes.
Just so, the pilot, then, like Travis
- glancing back,
- Took the situation in and kindly looked
- away.
- Did I take that fearful step? You see
- me here today
- In the lobby sitting calmly, and must
- wonder.
- Would you like another coffee? Well then,
I'll give it to you straight.
- You can write this up exclusive for your
- paper,
- That the parachute had flaws that only
- I detected,
- And this I pointed out. The pilot
Had no choice, you see, but had to take
- her down.
- Of course I will not sue.
- But now this sweaty business is still
- pending
- And my maiden jump's still due.
So I sit here with my coffee
And I think of what I'm made of
And that sudden patch of blue.
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Last Updated: 11/23/95