On the Skids

On the skids with no brakes,
thankfully, a memory;
that began with falling,
falling over and over again,
with bruises that healed;
such is childhood.

I tried to attack the slippery slope,
challenged by youtube videos
that I could wisely imbibe;
teenager at heart was I…
to fall flat, flatter than a pancake.

As this was a few years back,
still a Big-Mac Grandmother;
a smucker-grape hugger.
Bigger than life;
life was bigger than me.

Who was I to inspire?
I lit my bum on fire.
Who am I to think
that each one was like the other?

Those grand-girls flew past me, in blurs.
The youngest boy, now ten,
screamed until I relinquished,
took off those skates
then circled the rink
as I chased him down.

His elder brother, held on for dear life,
just wouldn’t let go
of the skate mate;
but I am old,
or so I am told.

I grew up when no helmet
was required, where
seat belts were optional;
free to choose, “I will survive.”

So, do I think today’s kids
are wimps? I’ve joined
the ranks of wimpiness;
it is the key to living longer.

By the way, the kid
won’t climb a tree.
He sees each and every bug.
Were they there when I was young?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Proxenos Avatar
February 14, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Hey Kim, I have also had my spills as my son was growing up and one or two have left their mark but I'm sure I won't be doing any skidding with my grandaughter, she's only two now, grandma must do her stunts more carefully now! Enjoyed your poem my friend. Hugs, Jennifer.
Rodrigues Avatar
February 14, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Even when we are careful those rugrats pull us into some situations…lol! Thank you, Jennifer! Hugs and HVD!
Hind Avatar
February 12, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Such raw memory, even the sweet ones - so beautifully written, reaches to my center <3
Rodrigues Avatar
February 14, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Thank you, Paige!
Read Avatar
February 12, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Hi Kim, how things have changed since my childhood, your poem sums it up perfectly. xx
Rodrigues Avatar
February 14, 2025 at 1:50 PM
For sure! Thank you, John!
Andresen Avatar
February 12, 2025 at 5:45 AM
- I wouldn't dare try it today, Kim ... maybe 30 years ago :))) - I loved climbing trees as a child ... - I also grew up without a helmet and seatbelt - Take it easy grandma :) - hugs
Rodrigues Avatar
February 13, 2025 at 7:13 AM
I will! Now I have problems with my leg. If I can walk, I am good.
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