Endless Repose

Members of the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team parachute into Normandy on Wednesday, in Sannerville.

I unhook straps. Ten seconds remain. Then, I’ll be buried in the tender gray.

I swim undisturbed above the sleeping enemy. Cloud coverage, my truest companion. Better than any bullet proof vest.

Seven seconds. We’re ordered to stand. I’m put off by the potpourri of men’s aftershave. Smells more like a family wedding than a platoon about to dive behind enemy lines.

“Protocol.” Sarg. stresses routines, though I’m doubtful many of us will make ground.

Four seconds. I grip my static line. Move towards the open door. Occasional artillery fire lights up the darkness with false stars. The pilot says we won’t get a second pass. He’s had to increase altitude.

Farther to fall means a longer time as targets. Greater odds I’ll be picked off by an alert patrolman.

Gravity will get me there, but not without the risk of endless repose.

dVerse Prosery — On This Day: Happy December 5 Birthday Poets

Lisa is host for tonight’s 144 word challenge incorporating these lovely lines:

In the tender gray,
I swim undisturbed.
by Celia Dropkin,
from “Sullivan County”

44 responses to “Endless Repose”

Tom

Short and memorable story, K! Your terse and powerful lines makes it a vivid read 🙂

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, Tom. I’m glad those short sentences built suspense for you. I appreciate your comments.
  
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Simon

This verse bring to mind just the kind of agony these guys felt / feel when thy’re dropped into action.

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, Simon. I have a few relatives that went head first into combat. I am glad this piece may have captured a bit of their fear and bravery.
  
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  1. Simon
    
    I think you’ve done great… but what do I know? 🙂
    
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msjadeli

You pulled me into the scene with you, K. I wonder what the ratio was between jumps and landing alive vs. “endless repose.”

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Yes, I do as well. I have never jumped from a plane myself but have relatives that have spent quite a bit of time off the ground. I would like to think the ratio of survival is higher today.
  
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msjadeli

p.s. Also like how you used “the tender grey” to mean protective clouds ❤

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, Lisa. It was my first thought, so I had to channel those passed and hope to put some heart into it.
  
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  1. msjadeli
    
    You’re welcome ❤
    
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Ron.

A brilliant, smooth inclusion, K; and right off the bat! Not to mention the tale, which is perfectly crafted & had me counting seconds along with the trooper. Well done.

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, Ron. Something about 144 words that makes me get real intense over here. I’m so pleased you enjoyed this flash. Cheers.
  
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memadtwo

You’ve created a lot of tension in just a few words. I hope he makes it. (K)

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, K. Me, too. I’m also wondering what sordid task he will need to complete should he make it to the ground breathing.
  
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  1. memadtwo
    
    I don’t even want to think about that…
    
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D. Avery @shiftnshake

What a setting, what a story! Great use of the line.

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you so much. This has me all smiles after teaching my night class. I really appreciate the positive feedback.
  
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VJ

My former father-in-law was a paratrooper. He said he always hated the jump.

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1. K.Hartless
  
  It must have been the most intense experience. I don’t know if I captured the whole experience, but i hope the horror of those last few seconds came across. Thank you for connecting to my flash, VJ.
  
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  1. VJ
    
    Your words brought it all back. You’re welcome
    
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Tricia Sankey

So much suspense in this! The line fit perfect! 👏👏

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you kindly, Tricia. I tried to not let go from line one, so I’m glad you found it tense. 😊
  
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  1. Tricia Sankey
    
    Yes, a nailbiter! 💯
    
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abigfatcanofworms

This is great, K. I love how you’ve included the line from Celia Dropkin. And I love the line “Occasional artillery fire lights up the darkness with false stars”.

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, worms. I read the original poem for the first time tonight, and really enjoyed the imagery, especially the raspberry thorns reaching up. It sort of lead to this idea of the grey, protective clouds.
  
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rothpoetry

A great poem and use of the prompt line. It really takes us there in the tense moments before the jump into an unknown destiny! Well done.

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you so much, Dwight. I’m so glad the intensity seemed real. It’s the sort of bravery that inspires me.
  
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  1. rothpoetry
    
    I can’t imagine what must have been running through their minds!
    
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Jane Dougherty

I like how you mix the elements, swimming in the clouds, flying though billows. A creative response that took me by surprise!

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, Jane. It took me by surprise. The idea came to me on my commute and I thought, no not that, surely, but I was happy with how it came together.
  
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  1. Jane Dougherty
    
    An idea is an idea. It’s always best to try it out before discarding it 🙂
    
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merrildsmith

Brilliantly done! This is such a creative take on the prompt, but one that feels so real. I felt that tension. I want to say I hope he makes it, but then–we don’t even know who he or what side he’s fighting for or what he will do if he does make it. . .

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, Merril. Yes, I thought about that and the idea this could be the enemy or the hero of our own nation. I like to think we’d feel the same, but it could really put a spin on it to know this was an ally or a foe. Thanks for the thoughtful feedback.
  
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  1. merrildsmith
    
    You’re welcome! 😊
    
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Mish

Oh I think you really captured that sense of risk and the unknown. I also enjoyed the unique use of the given line, the way you broke it up….and the gray of those clouds becoming a protective place to be.

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you kindly, Mish. I had this idea instantaneously, so I’m glad I went with it. Those gray clouds aren’t going anywhere around here. Have us all in a bit of a lull.
  
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Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

That detail with the aftershave really made it feel even more real… and you left us hanging without a real end (I like that)

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you kindly, Björn. Oh, I’m so glad you enjoyed the ending. There’s just no way to bring a tale like this down gently. 😉
  
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poetisatinta

This is such a great take on the prompt line and very well written 🙂

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you. Your comment really put wind in my sails, and I appreciate it.
  
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  1. Anonymous
    
    You are so welcome 🙏
    
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johnlmalone

a stunning piece, K; you’ve captured the fraught terror of the fall perfectly —

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1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, John. I wasn’t sure I could write this one with any integrity, so I’m glad to hear it came across realistically. 🙂
  
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  1. johnlmalone
    
    you’ve pulled it off perfectly; I could feel the terror!
    
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