Mission Accomplished

At 4500ft, I stood, staring, my body stuttering. I hovered one foot over the crumpled mountainous edge and knew the other one had to follow. My heart started beating like an accelerating rhythm on a loud bass drum. Whilst sweat prickled my quivering back, my mouth was bone dry.

I knew I had to do this. Get it over with. But my foot stayed planted on the ground, like a hundred year old tree with roots strong and deep.

I knew it would
get worse so I
did it. I jumped
and closed my bulging eyes.
My breath was
cut short and, if
just for a second,
I stopped breathing
altogether.

I practised the formation I had learnt cautiously. When I opened my eyes, I saw light escaping through my pale, outstretched fingers. I felt the rocky edge, battered and bruised so close that it could feel my presence.

My helmet dug into my cheeks and the wind slapped at my body. But I didn't notice. The awe-inspiring sensation had taken over.

At first it had been too fast. I was all too aware of plummeting like a stone, knocked off a bridge by a forceful passing foot.

But then everything clicked. The falling feeling of horror turned to amazement as my gaze fell over the crooked angles posed by the mountains. The distant stream shone cobalt blue. The gliding birds soared both above and below.

As the ground drew into focus and the chaotic noise levels of human life started to climb, I prepared to stop myself.

Feeling heavy as I dragged myself to my feet, I looked up to the point at which my journey had begun. A relieved smile spread across my face.

Mission accomplished.