A Sledding Story

THE SLED snaked down the forest hill.
“This is boring. Your steer is without thrill,” Calvin shouted from the rear.
At the steer,
Hobbs jeered: “Last time you controlled the sled we overturned into a thorn bush. I thought you’re scared of fast speeds.”
The sled crushed over thin weeds.
“That’s not me now. You’re making excuses.”
Calvin paused with his muses.
“I wanted to go fast. Don’t blame me if you end up in a cast.”
“Wimp.”
Clear of the sled’s path a small rock bunt.
Over the curved wooden sled front,
Snow started to flick;
Cold air picked up a kick,
Slipping wind underneath clothing with a lick.
The wooden sled jumped the
snow mount and
crashed through the forest clearing,
Powdery snow slamming up over the
Wooden rolled sled front in showers.
Distant trees creeped forward in towers,
A clearing in them marking the frozen lake.
Hobbs shouted from the steer, “May I help you with today’s flight? Some snacks?”
Wind fluttered in around their backs.
Calvin said, “Do you have cookies to bake?”
“Sir, I tell you they already are. Liftoff is not far.”
“I’ll quickly get a cookie a orange juice.”
“Wonderful pick. Orange juice from the pitcher or can?”
“—Come on! Real flights aren’t that complicated. Did you seriously bring the pitcher?”
“First class service for the richer!”
The sled
bumped.
Blood pumped.
Skinning bark off
a tree the
sled took a
nick.
Hobbs absently
steered the sled.
“Wonderfull pick. One cookie and orange juice comin’ right—“
“—right up with merry Christmas spirit bright.”
“... I’ll be damned. We’re outta drinks. We must’ve lost it all back somewhere.”
“Everything?”
“There’s a few cookies and three turkey sandwiches.”
“I’ll take a sandwich.”
“Here you go.”
“Thanks Mr attendant.”
A vicious wind battered the two.
Hobbs returned to the controls.
“Enjoy. About the drinks, I could get fired if the crew hears. Please don’t snitch.”
“The top of my sandwich just flew off.”
“Bummer. May I help you with a replacement?”
“No. I think I’m good. I need to use the lavatory though.”
“Sorry but we’ll be lifting off in less than a minute now.”
“Emergency stop! Stop the plane!”
The sled leapt into the
air;
flight lasted no more than
six seconds before
crashing the two
hard against the
solid ice.
“Are the cookies still intact?” Calvin asked Hobbs.
“No, they’re broken outside the pack.”
“Let’s get home.”
“Yeah.”