Flexible Flyer

As I walk with her now
she complains
of a pinched nerve
uses a cane
is anxious
confused
What are their names?
she asks of old friends
as we take the shortest path
through the garden

But I still see her
in red mittens
brown hair tucked
in a woolen cap
wearing Dad's old blue coat
ready to take us
out into the dark
on a school night
finally letting me go
with her and my brothers

I ride flat on her back
trusting my daring mother
as we fly down the slick curved street
on the sled she waxed for speed

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