Skiing the Slopes of High School
Whipping wind
Brushing the top
Teetering at the edge
I look down.
Rolling slope
Does it have an end?
A padded conclusion?
I am falling down.
Frothy white
Support beneath my elbow
Clear smooth path
They guide me down.
Patient guide
Divert me past the trees
Skis made sturdy poles made straight
I am gliding down.
Faster
Faster
They let go.
Whirring world
Moments here - gone
Lean on poles for support
On my own speeding down.
Confident journey
Stand straight on skis
Enjoy the view
Fearlessly sailing down.
Slowing speed
Sad to see the mountain end
No cushioned denouement
End flips to the sky
I am launched up.
Panicked flight
No support through biting air
Slope far below
Not sure how to fall up.
Unnerving flight
Useless poles no path to follow
Ugly dance through clouds
Only one way down.