If I Had A Superpower

13.1.2020

Disclaimer: This piece of writing doesn’t end with a moral; it’s just abstract thought and maybe some bizarre add-ons.

If I had a superpower, it would not be the ability to fly because I have an irrational fear of heights. To the extent that I sit ramrod straight in flights and stand ramrod straight in lifts as if waiting for something to happen; and hold my breath when crossing bridges, however steady they may be.

But, as several people have pointed out to me, if flying was my superpower, I’d be so good at it that I would not need to be scared at all. As logical as that may be, I shall rule that one out as a possible superpower for me.

Instead I shall consider invisibility, not as a removable item like Harry’s Cloak, but something inbuilt that will spring to effect when I need it. But, I must not ignore the limited possibilities I have. The most I can do while being invisible is overhear conversations or spook people. I’d be less likely to do the latter, because I know I’d hate it if someone did that to me.

Being able to read minds or hear thoughts sounds like something I would pick. Then I would be able to prevent so many misunderstandings and arguments. Also, facades or pretenses would not deceive me; I’d be able to see the person for what they actually are.

The downside of course, is that I would be privy to all the thoughts people have, some of which are kept private for a reason.

A healing ability would be nice. I could then cure incurable diseases. But then if I really wanted to put my powers to use and cure everyone, I’d have to also be able to either be in multiple places at once or be able to teach others my skills.

Time control sounds the most exciting, where I can control time by making it go faster or slower if I want. Susan Sto Helit, a character from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series had this power; she used to make time stop (and freeze the people around her) so she could clear up messes or prevent calamities.

Telekinesis- the ability to move objects at a distance by mental power - also sounds very interesting. From whatever little I have read about this in fantasy novels, I understand you can control any element, influence any force and manipulate any physical action. This means you can not only move objects or read thoughts, you can kill cancerous cells in bodies and influence a cricket game even while sitting hours away.

Since it sounds like all the powers put together, I’m picking this. Now I shall quickly sign off before all the downsides of telekinesis start coming to mind.