The Giant Swing
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Declan Gillian, Grade 3, Yinnar Primary School
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Short Story
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2008
Finalist in the 'Empowered 2008' competition
As I pull the blue and white striped rope nothing happens. So I pull again but still nothing happens… Then suddenly my stomach jumps up in to my mouth WOSH. My eyes are blurred from looking around through the foggy plastic protective goggles.
The blazing sun was blocking my eyes from looking down at the mixture of mud and dim grass below. I feel queasy because I’m so high above the ground. My hands are stiff and cramped from holding on to the big thick rope like an eagle does with it’s prey.
As I was soaring through the thin crisp air I felt a wave of emotion come over me. A mixture of excitement, pleasure and being proud. ‘I can fly like a bird’ I yelled with glee. It felt like I was running on thin air with my legs dangling below. My hair was swaying as the wind made it go backwards like a hair dryer, when drying your hair.
At last the clattering ladder on wheels came up from below me so I could land safely. Finally I feel my legs touch the solid ground. A few of my best friends congratulate me and most patted my back and ask if it was scary. I felt a jolt of courage come back to me.
The giant swing was one of the best things in my short life so far.