My Flexible Flyer

I remember the snow
I am 11
I remember the wildness
and the quiet of the snow
and I remember
My beautiful sled
It is long,
its trim is metal
and red
I take the steel wool and
clean the rust from its slim runners
I oil the steering
it is ready
and so am I
I am on the hill
the other kids are with me
though I may not know them
we are together for the riding
I run
I throw my Flyer down and myself
upon its boards
I am speeding
I am the wind
I am
It is freedom
it is a thrill
it is so right
My Flyer comes to a turning, screeching stop

but not me, I keep going a little

the snow on my face makes me happy!
and I am ready to do it again, and again
I shiver in the cold and laugh
like a sailor on a calm northern sea
my Flexible Flyer and me

Alexander Herwitz © December 2012