Taking Flight

Haiku series

When I was little I was terrified to fly On a plane so high

Above the whole world So out of control, no say Should things go astray

As years passed on I Learned to relax, found peace, joy Some time to enjoy

Now I’m scared again More than a year without flight I’m consumed with fright

So here I go on An airplane once more; masked, vaxed I hope I’m relaxed!

Today I’ll be taking my first flight since the pandemic began, and I’ve been anxious all week as if flying for the very first time.

I am 46 years old and have been flying since age eight; I’m an experienced and generally happy flyer, and yet plagued by fear.

The pandemic has changed us in so many ways, some obvious and others less so. As I have already discovered the last month since being fully vaccinated, plugging my old self into this new world is no snug fit. It is rough and bumpy (words I’d prefer to not encounter on my flight), and not as smooth as anticipated.

I pray for a calm and peaceful flight as I make space for all of my feelings and I to board our aircraft and lift off to see family for the first time in over a year — I think I’ll focus on that!

Happy flying and loving adjustment periods to all!