Affaire de Montagne

Once more I get to prove my worth.

Eight months I wait for this very day.

I can hear the snow, its crisp and cold as he lays me in it.

The bindings are solid and ratchet tight.

The tuning is perfect, wax is solid but slick.

My edges are fresh, sharp and shining.

He’s been looking forward to this day as much as I have…

And we’re off.

The first few turns are always the hardest.

Thighs loosening…

I’m doing my best to bend to his will.

We hate falling on the first run.

Understanding the snow takes time.

Its packed but not hard.

The new thin layer on top explodes into the air as we cut into it.

He’s getting the feel for it now.

I’m turning less and accelerating,

Speed is the goal now.

Carving is slow and calculated

Can’t lose speed.

The snow passes under me quickly now.

I barely have the time to feel it,

Or hear it.

It conforms to us now.

I can feel his mind is in another place.

His weight gently leans and guides me.

Knees absorbing the bumps and ruts,

We’re one with the hill.

And in only minutes it’s over.

I separate from his boots and we board the gondola.

Its time to live again,

Our affair with the mountain.