Give us a Hug
by
John Mackley

“For everything… turn, turn, turn...
There is a season… turn, turn, turn...

And a time for every purpose, under heaven.”

Now, is, the, time...tap, tap, tap... for, every, man... tap… to, come, to the aid... of their country.

Come, my people, enter into thy chambers, and shut thy doors behind thee: Hide thyself, as it were, for just a little while, until the affliction be past. (Isaiah 26:20)

Skydiving… a thrill. Like a bird on the wing. (a zombie apocalypse, not so much)

The rip cord has been pulled… deadly descent abrogated… My life has been spared, (oh joy) by a seemingly small… insignificant act. My feet up on the couch. No real work on my part.

Now… my course... slowed and leisurely, I see my objective, my view un-obscured, far below, hills of green, soft puffy white clouds, rivers and streams, sparkling blue. (a once ‘normal’ life)

Yet... I’m still not content. I want to be there. I don’t want to be here! I chafe at the straps. Harnesses make me feel trapped! Constrained like a dog! Restrained and controlled!… Un-justly held back!

I have freedoms you know! It’s unfair! I have rights!

You just let me go! Let me live! Hear me now! “Don’t you tread on me!”

I’ve had it with this! Getting out of here now!

But we’re tied together? Oh, who cares? I’m not waiting to see…

There! Isn’t that better? The restraints are all gone. Unencumbered by rules… I’m free as a bird, the sun at my back, the wind in my hair. Liberated once more.

But why are you screaming? Settle down! All is fine. Just let yourself go. It’s a walk in the park.

What do you mean? That was your parachute too?... You gotta be joking!?... Right?

What the hell?.. Close your eyes… and give us a hug.