Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Trampolines Will Not Fly

Another Failed Trampoline Flight

Late last night, we experienced severe weather in Huntsville, Alabama.  Early in the evening, the U.S. Weather Service issued a high wind warning, but in spite of that, a number of trampolines failed to seek shelter.   Those who didn't heed the warning ended up just like this one.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that it did fly for a long distance.  So long, in fact, that no one knows where its flight originated.  However, that doesn't change the fact that trampolines cannot fly.

The problem is, trampolines only have two of the features necessary for flight.  They are light weight and they do have a large flat surface area, but that's not all they need.  Those two things will get them in the air, obviously, but they will not take them to a destination nor will they assure their safe arrival, obviously.

Trampolines attempting to fly are a lot like people who try to do something they aren't equipped to do.   

You see, in order to fly, a plane or a trampoline, needs a rudder, to give it direction, an internal power source, for propulsion when there is not wind to lift it, and flaps to control the flow of air over the wing, thus controlling the ability to take off and land.  

People who attempt, say, to write, when all they have is lightweight and a large flat surface, will ultimately crash.  Some will go through the air further than others, but ultimately they will crash.

A writer has to have drive and commitment - the internal power source.  And a writer must have a rudder, or personal integrity, in order to establish direction and hold the course.  And finally, a writer must have flaps, absolute control over the force that will ultimately lift him or her to the place they intend to be.

That's why trampolines and a lot of people who are trying to make it as writers crash beside the highway, or somewhere else, a long way from home.