Ride The Sky By: Mary Kunert Posted: December 9 2002
Years ago, in a previous life, I had the opportunity to take flight on a para-sail pulled behind a jeep on the Southwest desert of California. I treasure that short time of complete freedom.
Mary Ellen hooked me up to the jeep. A long, long towrope attached to me. The parachute was spread out in back of me, all in one big line. Then Mary Ellen started driving. Slowly at first with another friend feeding out the line until it was taught. Tenders held the ‘chute to help it gather the wind for the uplift. I began to run. Then, wonder of wonders, the ‘chute did fill and lifted me up into the emptiness of space. The jeep below was traveling at probably 50 or 60 miles an hour and provided a rough ride for my helpers. But up there I felt like I was just floating smoothly over the desert and was full of the wonder of flight. There are no words to describe that feeling of but I will try with this poem.
RIDE THE SKY
Tethered to the jeep A long umbilical cord Anchors - To prevent From achieving orbit.
The chute stretched out behind Held aloft to catch the wind By friends who somehow Talk me into flying.
The jeep moves, slowly Until the cord is taut.
And I run, praying that The chute will fill and lift
Billowing behind, the chute Shoots skyward. I feel like I am stepping Up to the blue above me.
Climbing wild wind currents Into the cloudless sky, I look down on an endless Carpet of desert below
Rising on wings of imagination To quiet, clear blue. Above the noise - Floating - Alone "Free" I ride the sky.
Rising above the desert, Above the world. I glide like tuft of dandelion Or eagle or butterfly.
Below, the others are planted. They don't know the joy They don't know the freedom Of soundless flight.
Embracing the vast silence I laugh out loud. Close to the face of God I know why the songbird sings.
