I’m Not a Bird

I just wanted to feel what flying felt like,
to feel that swooping sensation throughout my body.

I wanted to let go of my grip,
just once and let live inside of me what’s surely died.

The clouds are just a clever disguise, sweeping through them would be a breeze, drifting over mountains, rivers and canyons.
At ease, underneath a star lit western sky, heading farther beyond where human eyes could see.
I wanted to know that unimaginable temptation, the freedom of not being weighted down by gravity.
The air being light and soft on my skin as I let loose and dive into the open sky.

I observe the birds from on the ground and bellow.
“It’s just not fair,” I cry.
The couple on the park bench look at me convincingly concerned.
I rub my bruising elbows and knees and start to stand before them.
“I just wanted to feel what flying felt like,” I say to them and start to walk the other way.

10 responses to “I’m Not a Bird”

PoojaG

February 19, 2020 at 8:55 pm

Great post! I’ve always wondered what flying would feel like- it just seems so peaceful and calming!

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1. BrittnyLee
  
  February 19, 2020 at 10:19 pm
  
  It really does. I think about flying a lot in all honesty. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and commenting ! 🙂 it would be awesome if someday people could fly without machines or wings
  
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  1. PoojaG
    
    February 21, 2020 at 3:22 am
    
    That would be so cool!!
    
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  2. BrittnyLee
    
    February 21, 2020 at 3:39 am
    
    It really would! 🙂
    
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Scrunch Foldington

February 22, 2020 at 8:55 am

Beautiful piece of writing Brittny. I think if I have a spirit animal, it would be a bird. Probably a magpie. You wove the metaphor with a yearning for freedom, and it was very poignant. I really enjoyed the ending too, I chuckled out of recognition. 🙂

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1. BrittnyLee
  
  February 22, 2020 at 1:32 pm
  
  Thanm you 🙂 honestly I know the feeling !! I’ve felt a deep connection with ravens, foxes and hawks. I don’t know why but I just love them and am in awe every time I come across one. I’m honestly surprised how many times I’ve seen foxes around here. It was as if I was meant to see them. A magpie ? That’s really cool . They’re smart and crafty birds 🙂 yeah it definitely fits ya ! I’m really glad you liked this piece and connected with it. This is one I felt proud of . 🙂 I’m my toughest critic so I was so happy when I felt good about this one 🙂
  
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  1. Scrunch Foldington
    
    February 24, 2020 at 9:33 am
    
    I’m glad you’re proud of your work, you should be! Also, foxes are amazing, I didn’t realize you had them in the States! We have them here (introduced by the English, for hunting… of course) and when I was growing up on the edge of the bush, it was fairly common to see them, or hear their pups playing at night in the neighbor’s woodpile.
    
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  2. BrittnyLee
    
    February 24, 2020 at 7:48 pm
    
    Aw thank you ! I’m a tough critic with myself haha. I know what you mean! I wasn’t aware they were in my state either until I kept seeing them!! 🙂 I would love to hear and see pups !! I have never seen for babies aww
    
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Woodsy

February 23, 2020 at 5:10 pm

A roll…
a pull…
a cup of air, captured in plumage…

A wingbeat,
thrust…
pushing forward into a glide,
skating over a thermal…

You could watch them, meditate them and live them all day,
these birds.

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1. BrittnyLee
  
  February 23, 2020 at 5:52 pm
  
  Love this comment woodsy !!! Thank you!!
  
  Rolling through the mud and dipping low under clouds nd branches.
  Sparing the mountain tips a great grazing from their wings.
  Hearts beat at rate faster than our minds can comprehend.
  They’re on a higher plain
  
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