My Hang gliding Affair

I run off a cliff, heart in my mouth.
My feet leave Earth, I am airborne!
Ascending higher and higher,
the World below becoming wider and wider
objects smaller and smaller,
a reverse zooming camera.
My heart races as if I have run a mile

Unfolding below me as I fly
a smattering of habitations,
appearing so ridiculously small!
Roads snaking through purposefully
with leafy interruptions.
Tiny toy-like vehicles moving ant-like
disappearing and reappearing.

Variegated patchwork quilt of fields
Rows and rows of criss-crossing stone walls.
Ribbons of water glistening like millions of mirrors,
born as fine threads, winding their way down
gaining strength and force becoming ribbons
ceaselessly feeding the greedy sea.

A basin of shining water nestling between mountains
reflecting its protective surroundings
Its shape and colour changing as I drift across.
The landscape changes now with cliffs appearing
a coastline of yellow and grey sand
scalloped at the edge by wave after wave
of relentless foam lined tongues of the sea
lashing the shores mercilessly.

A cheerful flock of birds gliding below me
in triangular formation, leader at apex
gleefully changing direction and depth
so many moving as one
fluttering wings intermittently
and gliding and frolicking with gay abandon.
I gaze in wonder at their freedom and sheer joy

Howling noise in my ears as I rush through the air,
not the the eerie silence I expected.
The gushing wind cold and surprisingly harsh on my face
I relax and feel elated as I glide along
I half close my eyes and feel part of Nature
drinking the scenery,
embracing a sense of freedom

And now it is time to descend
a sense of apprehension envelopes me
the ground looms closer and closer
I shut my eyes and brace myself
my feet touch down and I run before I stop
I am exhausted but elated and happy to be alive