A more dependable ride

bullets, am I right? 🎶

from an any line prompt by Hai Dang the first line spirals into a world war 2 thrill ride

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West is East and North is in the South

The compass spins around around

The props sputter into silence

We’re dropping down, down

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The enemy buzzes, dips a wing

The pilot gives a salute

I struggle with the canopy

And slip into my chute

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Smoke smudges the air

Choking I hit release

Wind takes the canopy behind

Suddenly I’m free

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Fumble for the pull cord

Yank like my life depends

The chute tips out in ruin

Bullets spelled it’s end

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The backup chute unfolds

Mere yards above the ground

Snaps me into the rigging

I land with a little sound

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Just a groan on impact

I couldn’t keep it quiet

A gust grabs up the chute

And I become a kite

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The shrubs tear holes and skin

As I bounce along the ground

Flip the snap that holds my knife

It barely fills my hand

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a tree takes half my breath

I bring the knife to bear

Cut a cord and then one more

We bounce up in the air

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A small ravine above a creek

A break in brush and trees

I cut the final cord and drop

In water to my knees

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The pistol still is there

In the holster at my side

Time to see if I can find

A more dependable ride