MY SECRET FEAR

Flying from Reno to Portland
For a confrontation up there.
I was told of this meeting
With scarcely a minute to spare.

I run to my seat, the takeoff is tough.
The air around Reno is bouncy and rough.
Lord, help me out just one more time.
I hate to fly as expressed in this rhyme.

I’d rather drive a car
Over each of these miles.
For me these flights are void of all smiles.
For the rest of the flight little more need be said.

My knuckles are white as I think of the clouds ahead.

The jet drops bouncing
And begins its descent.
As we enter the clouds
All my courage is spent.

Bouncing around in the rain laden clouds
I’m afraid a crash is the only way down.
Where are the mountains?
My face is a frown.

We dodge the Three Sisters,
Mt Hood’s to our right!
Will I ever survive
This anguish and fright?

I think of the Board
I’ll conquer up there.
Maybe after this meeting
They’ll stay out of my hair.

They’ll quarrel and complain
Grumble and gripe.
Reciting dollar pain
And life’s trivial tripe.

Sitting here now
As I float through the air,
I’m obsessed with survival,
Their needs my last care.

But finally we land,
The other passengers cheer.
I straighten my tie
As the terminal draws near.

I feel better
And offer a prayer.
Thank you dear Lord
Not one rip or tear.

When I file off this jet
I’ll be the hero at last.
A leader with courage
All my fears now all past.

In the meeting tonight
I’ll conquer them all.
But when I fly back
I’ll be humble and small.

My fears will resurface
Despite each new win.
Oh, why must I ever
Have to fly again?
****