Jump

I wrote this a few days ago, I just haven't had the time to type it all up on this computer (oh the inconvenience of my computer sucking). I plan to buy a laptop this summer, possibly at least.

There she sat. Below her was a clear and undisturbed glassy surface. A chilling wind swept in and blew her hair every which way. The water looked so serene, so calm, so peaceful. Looks can be deceiving. Exhaust from a passing car filled her lungs. Even the perfunctory strangers traveling on the road behind her beckoned for her to turn back and leave. Should she jump? Should she stay? Should she move on and wonder if the jump was worth it? It really didn't look that dangerous. She sat and pondered the elements around. It was a steep fall and she didn't even know what was hidden in in the water. A pipe or tree branch could be unexposed beneath the blue water, something unknown, something that could potentially hurt her. People fell into this cool pool every day, so why was she so afraid? What was holding her back? The lake was so vast and so full of unseen things, who really knew what it was like? Those who had fallen into it never looked back. Those who experienced it couldn't explain it. Some were hurt, some wanted more, some like her just didn't know. The water stared back at her. What if it was freezing, she could catch hypothermia. What if she drowned? What if it was shallow and she broke her legs? What if it was deep and sucked her under and suffocated her? The what if's were endless. This was not a jump anyone could push her into; this was something only she could choose. It was so inviting, yet so frightening. Fear gripped her beating heart. To make such a leap into the unknown, to leave behind familiarity, could she do it, should she do it? Her mind ran a million miles an hour processing every possible question and precaution. You would have to be crazy to willingly fall into the deep blue lake on this side of the busy highway. Everyone watching simply shakes their heads and scorn those idiotic enough to jump into something so foolish. Of course, they themselves had never made the jump, or they have fooled someone else into thinking they have. There was no one to catch her. Was there anyone to make the jump with her? She decided that if someone were to hold her hand and jump with her it would make all the difference. Falling alone was no way to go. Ah, there she goes again, with her far off hopes and silly dreams. No such person existed. They all traveled 50 miles an hour down the road directly behind her. No one took the time she did to ponder such questions. Everyone was racing through life at such high speeds they forgot about the jump. Some skipped the jump and were already drowning in the water. How can you skip the jump and expect the water to feel the same? Some took multiple dips in the water causing it to lose its first allure. She stood up and began to wave her arms at the passing cars. Stop! she urges. No one would. She sat again staring at the water. To jump or not? Everything in her wanted to jump, but she was too terrified to try it. To jump or not, that is the question that hammered at every corner fold of her mind. Was there anyone to stop and see her confused smile etched on her lips? A smile aching to be free and laugh the whole way down and continue to smile while wading in the water? The wind began to blow harder and she only felt more alone. So alone. The jump seemed so desolate, so opposite of what it was cracked up to be. In her cynicism she doubted the exhilaration of such a jump. Yet her she was, sitting, wishing, and waiting. Her heart yearned to make the jump. So unable to move, yet so unable to fall forward. Here she sat.


Now, stop and think. What is the parallel? There's a parallel?- you ask. Yes. And if you can't guess it... I wonder why? I think it's obvious, but then again, I'm the writer. If you honestly can't figure it out, just ask. I'll tell you. But if you do figure it out... I applaud you. Do you see who the girl is? That's obvious too, it's me. (I let you have that one for free too!).

It is late. I started listening to talk radio and it's all so fascinating that I didn't want to sleep. But now I am.. I'm exhausted.