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.