Downhill Racer

The day was brilliant--Sol spreading diamonds in the sky-- When Kathleen and her father faced the slope, He with trepidation, she with hope. They scanned the rise and watched like country rubes As sliders paused atop the run, Then hurtled down on sleds and tubes, Jinking, jerking, shouting, screaming; It promised so much fun. “Let’s go,” Dad said, and led the way uphill, Both eager at the crest to test their skill. One time, then two, they shot down icy trails And raced like yachts with open-ocean sails. And then it happened! On Father’s third and final try His sled upended—not down low, but high! The lookers gasped, their mouths and eyes gaped wide. Newtonian physics could not be denied, So Daddy (in slow motion, thus it seemed To Kathleen, like a nightmare being dreamed) Oofed softly as he tumbled down the grade And came to rest a jumble, limbs all splayed. They left the field soon after, heads held high; Drove home in silence ‘neath the dark’ning sky; Ate supper, talked, and do what people do on wintry eves. Much later in the night as Kathleen slept the sleep of youth, Dad rose and hobbled to the tub. And while he soaked he weighed a truth, The nub: At 48 it’s all downhill; ‘nough said; Just don’t complete the journey on your head.