NaPoWriMo 11

[artsyhonker]

February, and how to survive it.

First, the socks. An extra pair
before leaving the house.
Don't forget!

Put your skates over one shoulder,
hanging by laces.
Walk to the rink.

Boots off. Skates on. Squeeze feet in.
Pull the laces tight -- no, tighter.
Take the guards off the blades, stash them in your boots. Wobble to the ice.

Then glide. Slide over fissures and bumps.
Push away from the edges, sail out to the centre of the rink
(mind you don't catch your toepicks in the rough patches).

All is freedom, motion, laughter, until the cold toes and cheeks are too much.

Then the unlacing; relief balanced by stiffness as circulation returns.

Fumble the blade guards back on with cold-slowed hands, skates over shoulder again, boots on.

Trudge home with your blisters and your memories.

If you're lucky, there'll be enough milk for hot chocolate.