Touch the Sky

As the engine hummed to life, some were already asleep, resting for the long journey ahead. Others glanced around nervously, hoping it would be yet another uneventful ride. Somewhere in the back, a baby cried.

Outside, the propellers began to spin, and the great metal bird hurtled down the runway, gathering speed like an eagle zoning in on its prey. For a few nerve-wrecking moments, the vibrations continued as the wheels ground into asphalt. And then suddenly all was still as the vibrations gave way to a feeling of weightlessness.

Higher and higher the bird rose, until the houses below were nothing but faint specks, until the tumultuous ocean seemed a calm blue sheet.

High enough to see clouds spreading out below.

High enough to reach out and touch the sky.