29/ To Write the Number 50, Part II

You brake on the straight

and accelerate on a nice rounded curve.

Then back up to the top for a quick,

smooth lateral on the Niner.* Or would

you prefer the Pivot?* You choose.

No hills,

no rocks,

no fallen logs,

no wasp nests.

You take a break, enjoy a pause,

absorb some refreshing white space

before putting on a ski (water this time)

to execute the graceful loop of great significance.

Piece of cake. Barely a ripple on the lake.

You’ve aced it, as you’ve aced so many things

in so many ways.

* Niner and Pivot are the brands of his mountain bikes.