Story 35: How to Fly

Here is how to fly.

First you stretch your arms.

Then you arch your back.

Now reach out your hands.

Like you’re hugging a too-big sack.

Now flap.

Flap again.

Now flap again some more.

Flap once. Flap twice.

Flap, flap, flap, and look, you’re off the floor.

Now you’re flying, see.

Over houses, fields, and towns.

Now you’re really flying.

Look up, and yes, look down.

Fly with the butterflies and moths.

Fly with bumblebees and doves.

Fly with the larks and gulls and sparrows.

Fly with the friends who live above.

Look upward toward the sun.

Keep zooming high and higher.

Look down to see a million little people.

Tiny cars and pointy spires.

Try soaring in clear skies and in rain.

Be brave above volcanoes.

You can fly through any storm.

Or soar over your tornadoes.

Fly in the day up toward the sun.

Fly in the night straight at the moon.

Fly happy as a skybird.

Fly crazy as a loon.

Soar on wings like eagles.

With magic carpets, crows, and capes.

Sail beside the gliding jets.

And watch the pilots wave.

In the upper atmosphere.

It gets colder, so beware.

Pack an extra snuggly cap.

And instead of one scarf, wear a pair.

Keep your eyes wide open.

And please enjoy the view.

Remember flying is a pleasure.

And you’re one of the soaring few.

When you think you must come down.

You can still go higher up.

That’s the wonderful thing about flying.

You’ll never get enough.