Bridge in the Jungle
I stood paralyzed on the desolate bridge, unwilling to move
yet wanting to push forward and continue along the wooden path that was
suspended in air. I stared down the bridge, observing the twists and turns of
the broken planks of wood, and the rough rope that was firmly holding up the
feeble bridge. Beads of sweat formed on my neck and slowly dripped down my
stiff back, making me feel very uncomfortable and more claustrophobic by the
second. I wanted to scream in anguish, over the sound of chirping birds, and
rustling leaves, but I knew it wouldn’t help me progress any further. Not that
I wanted to go any further, but it was the only possible option that I had
left. I couldn’t stay glued onto the bridge any longer.
I took a deep breath, preparing myself before I took another
step forward. The only thing that was keeping my sanity alive was the fresh
scent of the green leaves. When combined with the sticky moist air, the
sensation was overwhelming. But I couldn’t care less. My vision started to
blend in with the mist, and the air started to close in around me. I needed to
move. Now. I gingerly lifted my leg and placed it on the board in front of me,
hoping it would not give way beneath me. It was a gamble I was willing to take,
not just because I couldn’t be stuck in the middle of nowhere for the rest of
eternity, but because I could not cope with not knowing what lies at the end of
the tunnel, or bridge in my case.
I finally put full force on the dirty plank of wood. It did
not crack. The bridge creaked a little and I exhaled in relief. Now for the
next step. I placed my other foot down and with a little more confidence I
firmly planted it. It did not budge. I moved my other foot up and completely
stood on the piece of wood. This wasn’t going to be so bad after all. Then I
tried again. Placing my foot in front of me once more, I stepped forward.
Suddenly, I heard a snap. The board I was previously standing on gave way and
my mind went numb. I didn’t even have time to react, as the board in front of
me shattered as well. And the next thing I knew I was plunging backwards into
abyss of shrubs and roots, not knowing if I was going to make it or not.
Table:
Sight
|
Sound
|
Smell
|
Taste
|
Touch
|
Feeling
|
Green
Misty
Foggy
Bright, yet dim
|
Creaking of the
bridge
Crackling
Chirping of the
birds
|
Fresh
Leaves
Overwhelming
|
Bitter
Fresh
|
Humid
Rough
Splinters from Wood
Light and airy (on
the bridge)
sticky
|
Worried
Scared
Curious
|
