Ed Northen
WOUNDED WARRIORS SKIING
They swagger into the lodge
Young Veterans
On crutches
In wheel chairs
Proud of their
Amputated limbs
Paralyzed torsos
Burned, disfigured bodies
Courageously braving
Subzero temperatures
Searching for a connectivity
A prewar hope
The offer is extended
To wait for milder weather
But they defer
Accustomed to difficulties
To life’s battles
Whether a war zone
Or rehab clinic
So the regalia commences
Donning the protective armor
Specialized cautions
Heat packs to deaden extremities
Extra hydration for the burned
Layer upon layer of clothing
Switching of prosthetic limbs
Preparation complete
It’s time for battle
Each warrior choosing
Their array of weapon
Single ski
Outriggers
Sit Ski
Snow Board
On gentle
Whitened slopes
The instruction begins
Balance
Weight
Unweight
Fall
Lean
Hold the edge
Brake
The mundane requirements
Of practice completed
Its time for boldness
The mountain looms
Steep
And technical
Loading on the ski lift
A slight nervousness ensues
Now its to the top
Cool air
Colors the cheeks
As eyes
And smiles widen
Spectacular panoramas
Lift spirits high
Above gravities restrictions
Unload from the lift chair
Its time to fly
Descending the slopes
Turns are carved
Snow sprays
Souls set free
As they ski un-tethered
unbound
At the afternoon gathering
With comrades
In the warm lodge
Stories unfold
Yarns are spun
Of bravery
Freedom
And the glory of it all
As hope blossoms
Ed Northen is a Retired Fire Captain /Paramedic who worked in the field for the last 34 years. He lives in Hailey Idaho, where he pursues his passions of environmental stewardship, hiking, backpacking and currently working as a fly fishing guide. He has been writing poetry for eighteen years, has been published in Ariel, Chimera, and Poetry Worksand reads at local poetry gatherings.
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