Jump

I close my eyes

and jump.

The Earth drops away as I fall, hoping beyond hope I will be alright.

Gravity disapears,

so this is a freefall.

Should I open my eyes?

See the world fall away?

I feel

big, gangly, and clumsy

as my arms and legs extend involuntarily.

What if I'm not all right?

What if I die?

Will this be my legacy?

A jump off a cliff?

Seconds feel like hours

as time slows and

thoughts take shape.

Mom, I'm scared.

I hit the water with a gigantic splash,

the force of the fall shoving me under.

My head pops up

and I see

My brother and my dad, already headed up to jump again.

Other people waiting

at the top

for me to move out of the way.

I think I'll jump again.