Memories on the Downslope
It was winter, early 1966.
Do you remember where?
Of course you would,
but you’re no longer here to say.
Somewhere in Pennsylvania.
A grandparents’ farm, family friends.
We camped there several times,
but for that visit we stayed in the farmhouse.
All for a fun day of sledding for the kids.
Why shouldn’t a dad join in?
Diving onto that wood and metal glider
you raced down the hill, unstoppable.
Until you found the one bare spot
on that long slope of a farm field.
The sled came to a dead halt,
but you rocketed forward.
We found your metal frame glasses coated
with blood from the gash in your brow.
Just like that, the cold seeped into all of us,
so we went inside while you were taped up.
But the day was early, so once our bones
were warmed by hot chocolate
we loaded up the grandparents’ van,
ten of us packed into a ’64 Econoline.
We headed for an old logging road,
snow covered and perfect for sledding.
Of course, you were more than content
to let the kids have all the fun.
This is my response to Twiglet #298 – a bare hill.
Shared with OpenLinkNight #324 at dVerse ~ Poets Pub.
Image – Lightning Guider sled
rivrvlogr 
I remember sledding. Thanks for the memory. Glad your dad was OK.
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Thank you. Those were fun times.
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Fantastic memories! Thanks for sharing. xx Michael
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And thank you, Michael.
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In 1966, the house my family lived in was just below an old logging road, all on a downhill grade. You want to talk about heaven on a Flexible Flyer, that was it!
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When we were kids, everyone had a Flexible Flyer. Then “saucers” came to be, and steering went right out the window.
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My brother and I begged for a saucer, but our mother was adamant that they were too dangerous.
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I love this. So full of details.
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😀 Thank you.
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Sledding was a joy, as child and parent. My parents never participated–and now I wonder if they did when they were children. Something to ponder. Glad your dad survived to tell the tale. (K)
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I was never into sledding as a kid, but this poem made it sound fun. Nicely done poem.
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Thank you. It could be exhilarating.
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What a fun-filled day! Makes me want to go sledding.
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Ken, I love this poetic memoir! I felt in touch with the people, scene, and injury.
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A fun memory! I’m glad your dad was OK.
I never did much sledding, but I do have a memory of sledding with high school boyfriend, (now husband) at a friend’s house with a bunch of friends.
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Ahh, warm memories. 🙂 ❤
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Indeed. 🙂
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What an exciting memory of fun family times.
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Such a fun and happy memories of your family. Enjoyed the read.
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I was sure the “you” in the story was a gonner when the glasses were found. At first I was horrified, but then the ending seemed so tame. Obviously, you fully immersed me in the day of sledding.
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