Swiftly the sledge sped downhill, its path predicted by the arrow hidden beneath. The excited rider hauled on the ropes to steer the craft and it became a living thing, exhilarating, almost uncontrollable.
An edgy sensation of danger made the girl’s heart pump harder and louder. She opened her mouth to scream her elation and the sledge flexed and leapt, icy air pushing into her mouth and slicing into her lungs. She wanted to shut her eyes but knew she mustn’t for then the sledge would be master.
Faster and faster the two endured the steep slope and the girl began to fear that her journey would never end. She and the sledge were one entity, hurtling through eternity.
Just as she felt she could bear no more and began to sob, the sledge ran into a pile of soft snow and halted with a silky sigh. Strong arms helped her to her feet and she smiled up into her father’s face.
‘Did you enjoy that, sweetie?’ he said and nodding vigorously she replied, ‘Can I have another go, please, Daddy?’
This writing meme is organised and hosted by Willow of 'Willow Manor'. To read more interpretations, please click here
Sadly ... I never had the chance to ride a sled with my father. Every child should experience that at least once.
ReplyDelete(I could get lost in your blog header photo .....)
I never went sledding as a child, but I can imagine the feeling through this story!
ReplyDeleteoh yes- I remember that line "One more please!"
ReplyDeleteThe danger of it, the fear, the thrill, and the wish for more! How wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWell written, Janice. I felt like I was riding down hill too.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your UK wording, using the word 'sledge' rather than the American word 'sled.' Your poem is good, demonstrates that childrn sometimes love things that they fear when they are in the presence of adults that they trust! Well done to prompt.
ReplyDeleteThis was a lovely story Janice. Is that experience talking? I only went on one sled ride and never went on another, but the one I did was hair-raising and yet so much fun. I was 23 I think.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a most exciting ride! No wonder she wanted another go.
ReplyDeleteCould feel the cold air slicing into her lungs... such fun times!
ReplyDeleteSome people are suckers for punishment!
ReplyDeleteTook me back a few years!
ReplyDeleteNice post
Priceless.
ReplyDeleteGreat Magpie!
ReplyDeletewho hid that story for us to find
Beautifully written and so much fun to read. It's interesting that the British sledge is called a sled in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteA difficult, unpleasant and embarrassing situation for the little girl.
ReplyDeleteWhat a predicament she found herself in, but at the end she is bounding back for some more!! Cheers to childhood resiliency!!
Oh, I love how this sums up that feeling of flying downhill on a sledge!
ReplyDeleteOh, those were the sweetest of days! Well written.
ReplyDeleteOh a sweet one!
ReplyDeletesweet sweet sweet
Loved this... a beautiful tale.
ReplyDeleteVery thrilling.
ReplyDeleteNice capture of the thrill of the ride.
ReplyDeleteWonderful word picture
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and descriptive. Loved the emotional responses to the ride. My brother was my co-pilot when I was too young to ride alone. I on the front and he seated behind me to run the rudders. Oh what I'd give to take one more run down the hill with him. Great memories!
ReplyDeleteSo descriptive. Bravo! Unfortunately, we don't have any snow (only rain), so no sledding for moi!
ReplyDelete