Matthew R. Callies

Circle and Cold

Round we go—

ice humming,

tires drumming,

lean low,

lean low.

 

Spokes flick silver

in the rink-light glow,

a pulse,

a blur,

a breath turned snow.

 

Round we go—

edges whisper,

rubber grips,

muscles whisper

don’t let go.

 

Bank the curve,

trust the freeze,

let speed carve arcs

from winter’s knees.

 

Round we go—

drafting shadows,

chasing echoes,

feeling time

begin to slow.

 

Then push—

push harder—

into the curve’s white roar,

and spin the circle open

like a widening door.

 

Round we go—

ice singing,

lungs burning,

wheels ringing

victory’s vow

in every turn

we sow.