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Bonfire of the Tires

Someone built a blazing bonfire out of tires
At the crest of the hill between the villages,
And we have come here to ride our sleds
The mile and a half to the bottom of old 60,
On the solid sheet of ice over packed snow
Two trips down and up, and we are frozen,
Our noses red, our eyelashes icy tingling,
And we can no longer feel our toes…but,
It is all worth it, and we will long remember
When someone built a bonfire out of tires.

written November 29, 2021

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Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 9/14/2022 7:59:00 AM

Indeed a fond memory and fun ride with you Milt! Linda

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/14/2022 8:05:00 AM

Thanks, Linda. It was a very enjoyable winter pasttime.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 11/30/2021 9:13:00 PM

I have smelled rubber and plastic burning and I can barely fathom the smell of tires burning. I cannot imagine it.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/30/2021 9:52:00 PM

Oh, when you are freezing stiff, you don't notice anything but the warmth. The ride was so long and the walk back up so arduous we could only do it once or twice in an evening. It was fantastic! Very memorable.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 11/30/2021 1:57:00 PM

a wonderfully described memory, milton!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/30/2021 2:08:00 PM

Thank you so much, Ilene. Yes, I do remember it well, and it was many, many years ago.

Gary Radice

Date: 11/30/2021 1:37:00 AM

So few views for what in my mind is up there with your best work Milt. There's something about memories isn't there that translate beautifully into free verse. I can picture it all. Cheers - Gary

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/30/2021 9:25:00 AM

Thank you so much, Gary. Your comment is so encouraging. Yes, indeed, I find old experiences, memories, lend themselves quite well to free verse. That you can picture it, makes it successful. Again, I appreciate your work and your comments.