Ramesh’s blog This is Me!!

My paratrooping days

Background: Like a few other entries in my blog space this too was written many years ago probably some time between 1990 - 92. Just putting it on here for posterity.

I would have to forego my holidays for sure
Despite which I showed enthusiasm, I remember
As I volunteered for a four week long course
To become a paratrooper

The initial phase was one of tuning up
From a high board many a high jump I had to take
And with the dawning of each day, I went higher up
And jumped again …but my legs didnt break

It was hot and sultry and I really had to sweat
In learning to take things in my stride as they came
Each day flexing my muscles till my shirt was drenched
While those regretting having come had themselves to blame

Finally came the day I had long been waiting for
When I would go up and share the space where eagles fly
The day for which four weeks of leave I had to forego
Here was that day when I would finally descend the sky

I still remember that turning moment
When I heaved a sigh in preparation to jump
One last look and an awful sight it was
The fear in me spoke loudest “BACK UP!! “

One look at my instructor as if to say “Please let me be”
With fears of a jump that meant certain death
Before I knew, I felt that nasty push at 15000 feet
Only to awaken me and find my pajamas soaking wet !!

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