It could have happened years ago, when youth was on my side

But it didn’t fit my goals. So, I never tried

 

Perhaps a bit of jealousy that others could, my goals preventing me

As time passed, opportunities came less often, the Midwest isn’t known for rocks

Still I watched movies and TV shows with a bit of longing

When Bond used his shoe-laces to climb the ropes and catch the villain,

I wanted to be him.

What would it feel like,

Hanging over a long fall, backwards, then walking down the wall?

Would I be scared, would I be petrified?

Imagination could only take me so far?

Would it be like sky-diving? I did that once, a present to myself.

It was scary, but only for a few moments, as I hung on the wing strut

Then it was exhilarating!

Only the wind in my ears. Clouds and birds for company

Ant-people waving as I floated.

Then the landing, soft as fresh-baked bread. A little roll and on my feet,

Gazing at the world with new eyes.

Would facing the cliff be the same? Scary, but only for a moment?

In my mind, and heart, I hoped.

It was both more and less...

Yes, I was anchored and I trusted the ropes.

(Even though I tied them.)

After all, they made a nice swing – I tried

Still, the shuffle backwards to the edge...

it was nerve-wracking.

The ropes were snug and tight, couldn’t fall, even if I wanted

But backwards!...Even the wing strut was face out.

We rely on sight so much.

Not looking started tummy rolls, skin tingling

breathing short and fast.

Leaning out into space was somehow more intense than 3000 feet.

Fright and excitement combined, setting my body on fire.

Joy, exhilaration , wanting to scream!

Starting slow- shuffling my feet,

keeping my body laid out, even with my feet.

Rope sliding through my brake hand.

Too fast. Not falling, but not even.

Belay on… rest a moment… nerves calming

Try again, but move hand lower

The goal: control.

New panic, rope slipping, heart racing, breath shallow

Almost a fear response, except for the trust in my belay

Back under control, I step down, off the wall

In moments, I say “off rope”

It was done and everyone was cheering and clapping.

It is hard to beat those dives from a plane,

But my first Rappel was awfully close.

Ready for more? …. Maybe nest week.