Balloons

You and I.

We’re very much the same.

We both dream together.

We dream of flying and seeing the world.

We saw a future together and were overwhelmed by the mere thought of it.

It’s like we viewed the world through the same lenses yet we had different prescriptions.

You know what — we were different I suppose.

We were in different times of our lives to say the least.

Picture this.

We’re like balloons.

Tied down by strings.

Tied down by familiarity. Family. Friends. Faith.

Or was it drugs. Temptation. Baggage. Self doubt.

Tied down by the weight of fear — fear of being let go and lost forever.

We’re constantly bobbing and swaying, unable to float past the length of this tether.

Stuck and confined to a height that hovers just above the heads of our keepers

pulling relentlessly with the hope of slipping out of the grip of whoever…whatever holds us down.

We’re anxious.

To be free and explore that big blue place up above us.

But take your time. I’ve been telling you this. I’ve tried to warn you.

You didn’t know how vulnerable you were. How fragile you were. And that’s okay.

You didn’t know how easy it is to be popped or stuck in a tree or lost in dark clouds forever.

That big, rusted cylinder tank— so crude and unpolished in manner —whistling with gases

has filled you up — quickly and clumsily — not phased about the possibility of you being stretched too thin and bursting.

Yet in seconds you let it give you the ability to float…maybe just temporarily.

All the while my reservoir of being has fed you slowly and carefully with the nutrients to facilitate growth.

And gently filled your deflated heart with confidence. Reassurance. And unconditional love.

All to showcase your potential — the potential to rise up. Be free. Be amazing.

But…

slow down

or you’ll explode under pressure. I’ve warned you.

Once you’re free, don’t venture too high up there or you’ll encounter a world too hot for you to handle. I’ve told you.

The world is misleading and if you sway just a little too close to temptation you’ll be stabbed in the back and you’ll pop. I’ve begged you.

‭Be still. I know you’re anxious. But learn to be still.

You’ll have your chance. You’ll have your moment. You’ll know when it’s time to be free.

Be strong. Don’t let deceiving voices in the polluted wind blow you in different directions to the point where you don’t know which way is up.

Be loyal. Don’t let the hands of immaturity yank on your string, pull you down and suck you into a world surrounded by the dangers of allurement and seduction.

Be smart. Don’t be blind and baited by decoys of faux happiness and temporary highs.

Have faith. Don’t let the devil coerce you and trick you into grabbing hold of double edged blades that are your own self doubts, insecurities and guilt.

Love yourself. You cannot cut away your sorrow by inflicting more pain. Your rubber skin is thinnest when you’re overstretched.

So let your elasticity bring thickness back to your wounded skin and bounce back like never before. The essence of you is resilient.

Remember who you are.

Remember what you’re made of.

Now…

I think it’s my time to cut my own string and head for the skies.

I won’t go too quickly. Maybe I’ll see you up here some day.

Who knows. If the wind blows in our favor, maybe we’ll cross paths and fly away together too. With everything in my heart, i can’t wait to see you fly.