Swing of Faith

Mara Lynn Barbee

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grasping a rope,
visions of Tarzan,
fear of heights.

deep breath...

running along the platform,
sharp footsteps
tap tap tap tap tap
jump --
gasp

falling --

rope pulls

going forward not down
swinging faster
arms hurting
hardtotakeabreath --

gaasp
upward again
weighing less

hands open
rope floats away
lake far below.

bad idea.

falling again faster
point your toes hold your nose
ohmygodsthisisgonnahurt --

Ka-WUMPSSH.
sinking --

start moving,
kick for the surface
donwannagothatdeep --

light through closed eyelids...
ploosh.
gasp, air --
cough, and water.

relearn to breathe,
treading water,
absurdly tired.

cheering on shore.
smile.

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