The Jump

Note: This is not a poem.
























I took the first step. The plank I was walking on trembled and so did my knees.
I stared straight ahead and saw where the horizon met with the blue sky.
I took another small step and again, the plank trembled.






























I looked down and saw white corals submerged below the sea’s crest tens of feet below me.
I hardened my jaw and focused at the task at hand.
I took more small steps and seconds later reached the end of the plank.






























I raised my hand sideways to shoulder-level, took a deep breath, then jumped.
I landed feet first and emerged out of the sea gasping for air and gulping sea water.
The jump was exhilaratingly good.






























It was my first platform dive. And I conquered my fear of heights.
I swam back and made my way to the platform.
I jumped again.