Wednesday 19 February 2014

The Olympian


The sled run swooped:
so steep, he zoomed  
and almost left the ground,
as the saucer barrelled sideways, 
and then, turned itself around.

Just like a magic carpet ride
on white on wings sky high –
like: an Olympic racer
as the world
spins – brightly – by. 

With little woolly fingers clenched 
red cheeks, rosebud lip bit –
he braved the mighty 
two foot slope
whoop-whooping:  I DID IT ! ! ! 

note:  The prompt from Poetry Jam this week was the Olympics.  This piece is inspired by an  old verse of mine, that I dusted off and rejigged, about my grandson's first "race" down a snowy hill.

photo:  Sled Ride - W. Bourke

© 2014 Wendy Bourke

28 comments:

  1. Gold medal! So fun to watch them...more fun than watching the Olympics, but that's just me. Enjoyed this very much.

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  2. I agree. They are more fun to watch than the Olympics!

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  3. Very sweet poem, Wendy! I am sure for your grandson it felt as exciting as it does to the more trained athletes.

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  4. And that is the beginning of an Olympian. You just never know.

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    1. So true . . . you really do - just never know.

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  5. But the big question is... how did YOU feel watching him? = )

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    1. At my age - I generally opt not to process, about half of what I see. Smiles.

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  6. Such fun watching the grandchildren as they take part in those first important 'races,' isn't it? I just love to watch the look in their eyes as they fulfill their goals. Who knows what races each of them will take part in in their life. Perhaps these early 'races' are important for setting the tone of how they deal with competition.

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    1. Oops - got a bit out of order there and, for a minute it read as if I opt not to watch my grandchildren, Eech - again with the techno-goofs.

      But yes indeed, Mary, I do think that the seeds of athleticism are sown very early in life. My grandson whispered in my ear the other day, that he has chosen downhill racing as his Olympic event. If only wishing made it so, Sigh. But then again, you just never know.

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  8. ha. nice....we piled snow and built a ramp this last week...so it was several feet off the ground that the sled launched from...i love sledding....

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  9. Luv the final whoop whooping

    Much love...

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  10. Yes i did ir, that feeling that everyone can do it, that it is there and accessible. Great capture.

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  11. You nailed it Wendy.....nicely done

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  12. I appreciate your kind comments. Thanks so much, Alan and Wayne.

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  13. Ha ..a future olympian or if it doesn't work out just having a lot of fun!:)

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  14. The spirit of a future Olympian--or maybe just someone who has a lot of fun!!

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  15. Well, hopefully it's all about the fun! Thanks, Rallentanda and Peggy

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  16. Wendy, Delightful!! a perfect picture painting, love that last stanza :-)

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  17. I'm pleased you enjoyed it Sara. I thought your take on the "Olympics" prompt from Poetry Jam was really delightful, also.

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  18. Oh Wendy ... Grandmothers are magical poets ... With the best kind of inspiration!

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  19. They are indeed. Thanks for commenting, Helen.

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  20. How cute - and fitting this week too!

    j.

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  21. So sweet! Maybe this could be the beginning of a future bobsled Olympian!

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  22. Thanks, Janet and Robyn. Though, a Bobsled Olympian is pretty scary for Nana to contemplate. Smiles.

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