The Boy Who Could Fly Poem by Ray Lucero

Between the ages of 8 and 9 a strange phenomenon known as 'Out of body experience' occurred in my life;
The first time it happened, while snuggled in my bed my spirit left my body like a feather in the wind. Upward I went above our house toward fluffy clouds above. Facing downward I stopped moving up. I looked far below at my neighborhood and main part of the city beyond. Instinctively I moved my arms in a swimming motion. With hands close to my chest I swept them outward a couple of times. I felt myself moving forward. The faster I swept the faster I went. I flew over the old water tower in the center of town. My elementary school came into view. I could see the ball field where our team played softball. Mr. Wong's neighborhood grocery was a few blocks from school.

The elation and joy I felt that night was indescribable.

By my 10th birthday I only experienced flights once in a while, until it no longer happened. The magic, innocence and fearlessness of my childhood was gone. The one time I dared share my secret with Mom she told me that I did not really fly. 'It was just a dream' she said with a frown.

Since then I have lifted out of my body once in a while, but have not been able to fly like before.

Perhaps I will have to wait until death to finally be free of this body held by gravity and the doubt of others...

ROTMS