Shark

The Grand Gray Shark cut through the thick atmosphere with fins rigidly out and a toothy grin feeding twin mouths.  The skysea lapped at it's flanks, tugging without effect and longing to slow the great creature to stall and fall to the earth below.  But it kept gulping mightily, swallowing air and super-heating it, cruising gracefully as it left condensate in it's path, remnants of collided vapor that belied it's stealthy way.  From inside it's gullet, I dreamed of love, of life, and of that I left behind.  I dreamed of the future, and of the arms into which I would be falling so soon.  I dreamed of the never-has-been, and the unforeseeable futures left open to unseeing eyes.  All the while, the Grand Gray Shark fed.

My ears caught the familiar tell-tale of a bell, rousing me from my slumber. Attendants skimmed to and for, watering and feeding my cabin mates, easing weary stomaches and begging the leftovers with outstretched hands, wrapped delicately in latex-free gloves so as not to become infected by attachment to any one passenger.  Nothing puts a crimp in a free-flying lifestyle like attachment. 

But that isn't true. 

Attachment is what drives my life.  I find myself crossing the continent yet again heading West to share space, contact, and air with my love.  I have ached for so long to feel her hand in mine.  I have gazed upon her visage illuminated in the night and cast into my eyes through liquid crystal, but that is a sorry substitute for standing beside her, feeling her fingertips reaching out to mine, proving once again that this love is real, that our feelings have merit, and that I am worthy of such a love.  I am aware that it is unfair of me to sing this song without glancing back to my Easterly residence and winking at my love there, as well.  She smiles at me the same, her twinkling eyes bringing me joy in subtly different ways, but joy just the same.  Two different loves, with freedom and trust the fruits born of a tree grown from hard work, honesty, and many a tear.  On the surface, freedom is enviable, but where it counts, one realizes that it is not so easily attained.  One must be vigilant against so many emotions waiting to tear at the heart of the love, coiled like a fierce creature ready to pounce and render all that effort wasted.  It takes courage to bear one's soul to another, let alone two or more.  It is the most rewarding, yet the most demanding lifestyle I could ever have imagined.  And yet, I rise early each morning and lie down late each evening to make sure I have spent what time I can with each of them.  I look into the future and wonder if this will last, then I look into the past and smile knowingly.  Yes.  IT will last as long as the love between us, as long as the love among us, continues. 

My heart is singing a song loud enough to share.  And my life's journey continues to get more and more interesting as the days march on. 

I ask you to not judge me.  If you must, I ask that you judge me for the example I set, rather than your personal view of right or wrong.  


(Note: I wasn't sure if I would post this, but those who know me won't be surprised that I did.  Love to those who believe in me, and who continue to support me in my travels.  <3<3)