Your legs are trembling
from inflamed nerves.
Anticipation and excitement
are slowly overpowering
those stubborn goose bumps
that have covered your
entire body, while standing
in the line-up, soaking wet.
Hugging yourself to keep
the warmth within from
escaping through the
surface of your skin,
every time the whip of the wind
rubs against your nearly naked body.
It's just the beginning of that
climb, straight up, to reach
the short resting plateau at the top.
You blast your energy
and agility, until you're halfway
into the climb, where you hesitate
to acknowledge, your rubbery legs
wanting to lie down.
You exercise your leadership skills
by telling your legs to, "lift those feet"
to the rungs above your knees,
while your aching arms are pulling
the weight of your torso upward,
with every boost from your hamstrings.
There are no other choices,
no way to back out,
you simply, "no can do!"
You must reach your hopes and dreams
and overcome the physical pain.
Enthusiasm slowly dwindles,
moving over for doubt.
Questions arise pertaining to
the validity OF YOUR SANITY.
"Why am I doing this?"
"What dream of this climb
showed me success? Was I in it?"
Ah, but you love a challenge
with an, "I'll-show-you" stance,
that is your reward at the top.
Bravery attacks the fear
of the unknown and you pull harder
for each step, with determination.
A smile broadens across your face
as the last few rungs are finally
in view to conquer.
Your heart is pumping fast and furious
and your lungs are gasping for more air,
but you make it to that resting plateau.
Your mouth is hanging open,
while your eyes are scanning the "360 degree" view.
You are on top of it all.
Caution breaks through
reminding you to;
be aware of the danger of death
that could engulf you,
if you are careless and slip
or you let go of the safety rail
when another bumps into you,
causing a mangled fall.
Is that sweat
rolling down your spine?
You stiffen up your lower lip
and silently say a prayer,
for the bell has tolled.
It's your turn to complete
and conquer this journey.
With your shaky, athletic skill,
you grab a rail on either side of you,
kick your feet out front
and land on your soft bottom, "ouch!"
As gravity starts pulling you downward,
your hands let go of the rails
and fly above your head.
Your last sane thought
reminds you of this descent
to walk on land again,
with no way off of
one of the highest "waterslide" around,
with all it's twists, turns
and bumps that lead to a
final free-way stretch.
You wonder if you will make it.
You will survive, you have to.
At the top of your lungs, you shriek,
shrill and yell out your victory
for all to hear.
Your body is tossed
into a pool of rumbling water
that is forced up your nose,
yet you still manage to choke out,
"I DID IT!"
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