To wish to fly is to wish to become free. To become free is to become fully human.
By Hakeem Prem Chandwani
“I wish to fly in the sky,
I don’t know I desire it why.”
These two simple lines carry a timeless mystery. They speak not merely of wings and clouds, but of the restless spirit that lives within every human being. Since the dawn of civilization, mankind has looked upward, not only to admire the heavens but also to discover something hidden within the self. The longing to fly is often the longing to become more than what we are today.
Every dream begins with an invisible question. We are not always able to explain why our hearts pull us toward certain destinations. A child dreams of becoming a scientist before understanding science. A poet writes verses before knowing why words touch the soul. Likewise, the desire to fly may not be about escaping the earth; it may be about escaping the limits we unknowingly place upon ourselves.
The sky has always represented freedom. It belongs to no nation, no race, no religion, and no boundary. Birds cross continents without passports, clouds travel without permission, and the wind refuses to recognize the walls that humans build. The human heart secretly envies that freedom. It wishes to rise above hatred, prejudice, fear, and disappointment.
Modern life has given humanity remarkable technology, yet many people still feel imprisoned. Some are trapped by poverty, others by wealth. Some are chained by anxiety, while others are confined by their own pride. True flight does not begin with wings; it begins with liberation from invisible chains.
History reminds us that every great achievement was once considered impossible. When the Wright brothers dreamed of flight, they faced ridicule rather than applause. Yet they transformed an impossible dream into a reality that reshaped the world. Their success teaches us that imagination is often the first step toward civilization’s greatest milestones.
But there exists another kind of flight, far more profound than the flight of airplanes. It is the flight of character, wisdom, compassion, and knowledge. A person may never leave the ground physically, yet can rise to extraordinary heights through noble actions. Great teachers, philosophers, reformers, scientists, and poets continue to soar in human memory long after their earthly journeys have ended.
In today’s world, many chase instant fame. Social media has made visibility easier than value. Millions wish to be noticed, but far fewer strive to become meaningful. Real flight is not measured by how many eyes watch us, but by how many lives are uplifted because of us.
Education is another pair of wings. Every book opens a window toward a wider horizon. Every lesson weakens the chains of ignorance. Knowledge enables ordinary people to perform extraordinary deeds. A society that encourages learning prepares its citizens to fly beyond inherited limitations.
Equally important is moral elevation. Without ethics, success becomes dangerous. A bird with broken direction may fly into a storm. Likewise, intelligence without integrity can become destructive. Humanity reaches its highest altitude only when wisdom and kindness travel together.
The natural world offers countless lessons. Eagles fly high because they possess patience and courage. They do not fear storms; they use powerful winds to climb even higher. Human beings, too, should learn to transform adversity into opportunity. Difficulties should become the currents that lift us instead of the burdens that break us.
Dreams alone, however, are never enough. Wings require effort. Ambition demands discipline. Every successful journey begins with small but determined steps. The distance between a dream and reality is bridged by perseverance. Those who refuse to surrender eventually discover that the impossible gradually becomes achievable.
The poet’s confession “I don’t know I desire it why” beautifully captures the mystery of aspiration. Not every noble desire needs immediate explanation. Some longings are gifts planted deep within the human soul, urging us toward growth, creativity, and purpose. They invite us to explore life beyond comfort and convention.
Ultimately, the greatest sky is not above our heads but within our hearts. When the mind becomes fearless, when compassion overcomes hatred, when knowledge defeats ignorance, and when hope triumphs over despair, the human spirit truly begins to fly.
May we all nurture dreams that elevate humanity rather than divide it. May our ambitions carry humility, our success inspire service, and our achievements reflect wisdom. For the highest flight is not the one that reaches the clouds, it is the one that touches the conscience of mankind.
To wish to fly is to wish to become free. To become free is to become fully human.
Read: Forest Therapy: Nature’s Silent Medicine
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Hakeem Prem Chandwani, a poet and column, is based in Dokri town of Sindh. This is translation of his Sindhi article
