The slope is steep, but not too steep

For a man who’s almost nine.

And I’ve got no choice since the dare was made –

The decision’s no longer mine.

Rachel is watching; I feel her eyes.

She must think I’m pretty brave.

As I pull the sled to the starting point

She sends me that little wave.

I can see the flash of sun on ice

At the frozen stream below.

I remember summer secrets whispered there

Where warmer waters used to flow.

I have to steer down through the trees –

I have to miss that big black rock.

And if I don’t go now, Mom’ll be here,

‘Cause it’s almost four o’clock.

The kids step back to give me room

As I place my sled just so.

Then I tilt my cap against the slanting sun,

And see nothing but fear and snow.

Little brother kneels in the snow nearby

And I see his worried eyes.

So I give him a wink like I’ll be just fine,

‘Cause I know sometimes he cries.

“There he goes!” I hear someone yell

As I start the awful drop.

And I soon find out it’s a lot more steep

Than it looked like from the top.

As I streak down through the trees, I know

I’m surely doing a hundred and five.

And with eyes closed tight I miss them all,

And begin to believe I might survive.

Then I recall the big black rock,

And turn sharply to the right.

But it’s way too late ‘cause it’s just ahead

Like a monster in the evening light.

My turn was enough for a glancing blow,

And I keep my place on the sled.

But my steering’s gone and the brake is broke,

So I still got plenty to dread.

Close enough now to see I was wrong,

The creek ain’t frozen at all!

I can only hope it’s not too deep,

‘Cause I can’t turn, or stop, or stall.

Now Rachel is here helping pull me out,

And I can tell I’m her hero yet.

And I sure am glad, in spite of the cold,

My jeans are already wet.