Testing the Wind

That first leap...

Feet outstretched, sitting on the steps

I look up at the blue, searching

The cloud farthest from my perch

No end in sight, I feel petite

In nature’s vast mystery

Endless hours I’ve burdened

These steps with my being

First when I’d seen no more

Than half a score summers

Today I’m lost, wondering

If this is the last moment to be

Will my flight across the oceans

Make me lose my tree?

I’m nervous, I’m scared

Never flown in the open sky

Always sheltered, I’ve lived

A fairy tale life

Yet the welcome drops

The gentle breeze

Spraying me with delight

Hold out hope

A little optimism

For the glories of this flight

A little smile plays across my lips

As I think of the days to come

I dream of the life

I hope to have

Dream of the things that will be

Emboldened, encouraged

Honest and brave

I’m taking that step

Towards the edge

From where I’ll test the wind

For the first time

Looking down in the depths

Apprehensive, but not unaware

Of the challenges that lie ahead

I flap my wings free

Looking back at the home

I’m leaving behind, I say

I’ll make a mark

In nature’s beautiful history…