Today's Reality

Reaching back for evidence
to use today, you may lose
your space; your hand may
hold with great strength yet
your mind can lose it's grip;
now that's a reality, forget
the script.

Reaching back for evidence
to use today, you may lose
your space; so say what
dare, be courageous in
your cares; now that's a
reality, face your fears.

Reaching back for evidence
to use today, you may lose
your space; embrace that which
time can't be wasted, displaced
intentions, allow your passions
to lead, remain relentless; now
that's a reality, swing for the fences.

Back Up Again

As the school band played, he noticed his palms were not cold, and definitely not sweaty. He was calm…very calm, which was a relief. He had practiced his Valedictorian speech all week. He even worked a few jokes in with what he felt was great timing.

BUUZZZZZZZZ!!!

Oh man I just need to turn this thing off, he thought as he reached for his phone. His cousin, Danny Jr., had sent him an urgent message.

“Jay, I know this isn’t the best time but do you remember when we used to jump off of Grandma’s roof? We were so crazy back then. Never would’ve thought we’d be here now. Funny how we let go of those things…as long as we don’t let go of it all right? Can’t wait to hear your speech!”

As he walked to the podium, the words of the text message resounded inside of him like a loud bass drum. As he began his speech, he couldn’t shake the thought of “letting go of it all”. After a short pause, he realized his prepared speech meant nothing anymore and decided to speak from the heart.

“You know...before I got up here, I received a text from Danny Jr., my cousin and I've got to say it's changed my perspective on life…stand up Danny.”

The entire auditorium appeared to focus on Danny Jr., who welcomed the attention and waved vigorously at the crowds of people, thus causing a short response of laughter. Jay crumbled his speech and tossed it to the side of the stage, then positioned himself back at the podium.

“For many years, I believed I could fly. I’m not sure if it was the result of being a fan of comic book characters, cartoons or learning of the powers people possessed in the Bible. By the time I was privileged to watch Michael Jordan play basketball for the North Carolina Tarheels, the seed had already been planted and had established roots into my belief system.

Whether it was jumping ramps with our bikes that we created with planks and bricks, running as fast as we could to jump over or down into the creek or swinging on the park swing set so high that when we’d jump out of the seat, we paused in mid air, just long enough to pose for a picture, the dream of flying was expressed through our creativity. My cousins and friends and I even jumped from the roof of my grandparent’s house, some holding sheets or shirts across their backs for the effect of a cape. This belief in flight was contagious!”

More crowd laughter spewed in appreciation of Jay’s honesty but Jay kept speaking, seemingly unaware of how captivated he held his audience.

“As I grew up, some dreams of flight were realized, thanks to US Airways and others, while other dreams of flight dwindled as an overly used candle. For years, those feelings that had once inspired me lay dormant, often looked upon as fond memories of a naive child…yet, today I feel that inspiration returning. I feel a drive building inside of me to propel myself up, up and away; though not as the Man of Steel but as a Man of Will."

Jay paused briefly, looking down at his classmates and into the audience. Touching his chest, Jay continued. "I can feel it...building inside of me and I can’t help but embrace the belief again…that I can fly."

The words Jay spoke were building emotions inside of him that he hadn't felt in years, if ever. He took a step back from the podium to gather his thoughts. Simultaneously, more applause and cheers rang out, with words of encouragement for Jay to continue speaking from his heart. Even the professors and school officials appeared to sit on the edge of their seats, hoping he continued. Jay regained his composure and approached the podium.

"I am determined now, more than ever, to build my wings, to train my body to endure the extreme velocities needed for extended flights because once I go up, I don’t plan on coming down anytime soon. Sure I may dip down to the coast for a refreshing drink but then it’s back up again.

I wish I could give you this feeling…this feeling that no one can stop me…this feeling of confidence, of purpose, of peace that I’ve found my reason for living. I am here to fly. I am not here to serve as anything other than an inspiration to the world that anything is possible…because in fact, once you step out on faith, you may find yourself flying too. I believe I can fly…do you?”

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause in a standing ovation. There were chants of “Yes, I can fly!” coming from every angle. The senior class, the audience and school officials...all were out of their seats, cheering and chanting Jay’s name. As he gazed around the auditorium, he stood in awe of what a little inspiration can do.