I once flew high,
tightly cushioned between the reflections of myself,
my twins.
A slight breeze allowed freedom
but restricted movement,
I lived and breathed safety.
I was created in steps of development
from cells to cartilage
to the silk form you now see me in.
Ultimately, I am a part of something larger, unique.
This is where I reside,
up in the sky
and high I floated for many years.
But as wise men say
all that rises must fall,
and without the fall there would be no tale.
For who would care to read pages
of a feathers happy life
in a peaceful sky tree?
When I reached an age of maturity
I began to yearn to interact
and not simply gaze upon my world.
Without warning my companions released me
allowing no opportunity to change my mind.
It is a strange feeling,
the vast openness when you are left alone,
even if it is in a place you have been your whole life.
A breeze train going to the earth
would arrive every half hour
but I was frightened.
For a fortnight I sat in stumped contemplation.
I allowed the world to come to me.
It painted my face with pollen,
pierced my body with dirt,
and dressed me in all the latest weather
until I had been set aside.
No longer was I identical to my many kin,
I had now gained my own identity.
Well, you can imagine my excitement, my awe!
It was empowering.
I set aside my fear and boarded the train.
The green surrounded me
as I descended down the bark
and began my fall.
