Brian Sambourne Poet Free verse

Boyhood

Boys carry their snow sleds
         up, up
                  to the highest peak
                               scaling risk

their voices pitched
          chattering noise of expectation
          frozen giddiness on snow packed hills
boys belly flop onto plastic sleighs

bubble-headed jauntiness launches them
           lunging down, down
bewildering "swish" of speed
           smashing white drifts
                              projectiles scattered
boys tossed in snowbanks like pizza dough spinning
                                                 baked together in joy
pushing the balance of extreme

runs repeated
         brash, blunt, bold
                                epic span of freedom
ignoring downfalls from ill timed moves
                                in a lost sense of direction

gleefully tired
                snow flecked
                boys wheeze the icy air
                          make their way home
their talk clotted with bravado
beneath it, the unspoken promise to never tire
                                                                 of boyhood

in twilight, the slopes gleam
                    gouged by sled marks
                    that clear a path for growth
                    targeted direction

and if boys fall from the path
                      are there souls
                                      who'll notice?

when ruts threaten
when sleds teeter
                      in unruly spaces




Poem composed February 2, 2022

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Karen Jones January 10, 2024 at 4:37 AM Back to say heartiest congratulations on your win! Brian Sambourne January 10, 2024 at 6:40 AM Hello Karen. Your return to my small posting is much valued. Thank you for your stop by + congratulatory message. Be well. Brian

Karen Jones July 3, 2022 at 3:58 AM The joys of boyhood and all its innocence is well penned here. Loved the imagery. Brian Sambourne July 3, 2022 at 6:59 AM Thank you Karen. Sometimes life gives you the nudge to write of childhood joy. Sincerest regards. Brian

Katharine L. Sparrow February 13, 2022 at 6:53 PM Oh, some great phrases here! I love "their talk clotted with bravado"... excellent! This piece is like a snapshot of childhood in winter. It brought me back to the hill where we used to sled. Your ending is like a twist... thoughtful rather than whimsical. Nicely done! Brian Sambourne February 13, 2022 at 7:02 PM Hello Katharine. Your insightful comments are much appreciated. I did strive for a turn in the final 7 lines of the piece. The boys tumble + fall on snowy hills. They pick themselves up + begin again. But what of the later paths in boy - reckless lives? Are there others to rescue those who fall? Thank you for your note. Be well. Brian

James Marshall Goff February 4, 2022 at 1:19 AM Goodness Brian! a hearty poem throughout! Well done! Brian Sambourne February 4, 2022 at 6:06 AM Thank you, James. We have a sizable snow hill near us. Hearty boys hitting the hill sparked the write. Best wishes, Brian

Valsa George February 4, 2022 at 1:07 AM The boisterous boyhood days are powerfully replayed here. Boys when they engage in snow games, they don't care if the weather is too cold or if they fall through a misdirected move. Great penning, Brian ! Brian Sambourne February 4, 2022 at 6:09 AM My appreciation, Valsa, for your stop by + encouraging words. I hope that all is well with you. Sincerely, Brian

Neva Romaine February 3, 2022 at 10:58 AM Congratulations on your win Brian. Excellent form and imagery. Neva Brian Sambourne February 3, 2022 at 11:17 AM Your supportive words are most appreciated, Neva. Hope that you are well. All the best, Brian

Brenda Chiri February 3, 2022 at 8:06 AM Congrats on your win!:) Brian Sambourne February 3, 2022 at 9:07 AM Thank you, Brenda, for your positive feedback on my poem. Its contest recognition was unexpected. Best wishes, Brian

Malabika Ray Choudhury February 3, 2022 at 7:10 AM Brian, This is a beautiful, picturesque descriptive piece of writing about amazing boyhood and sledding. I am sure, this descriptions will bring favourite memories of many. I really love this poem, and your poetic style. Sending to my faves. Best wishes ~ Mala Brian Sambourne February 3, 2022 at 7:48 AM My appreciation for your supportive take on my posting, Mala. I wanted to conclude with a more problematic view of a fall from paths trodden, so the poem may not be too popular. However, your kind comments are a push to my pen. Much appreciation. Brian

L Milton Hankins February 1, 2022 at 9:57 PM Brian, this is a marvelous, entertaining piece of writing. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It brought back so many memories of sledding when I was a boy. Thanks for sharing this. Brian Sambourne February 2, 2022 at 6:20 AM Thank you Milton, for your affirmative note on my winter piece on boyhood sled bravado. I appreciate your stop by + thumbs up. All the best. Brian