Silently Smiling

by Elizabeth Vassallo

In a moment of animalistic thoughtlessness, we dash for the ice-covered slope.
Then, standing at the top, looking down upon our fates,
I begin to think it through, the way humans often do.
You, with uncharacteristic, sheer impulse, throw down a yellow, plastic tray,
Smash your body onto it and
Fling yourself over the icy ledge.
Before I can see if you are safe, I follow your lead, just so we can be in it together.
I see you spinning uncontrollably as I begin my descent.
I pick up speed, my knuckles scraping against the hard snow,
My body bouncing against the cold plastic;
All I see is white ground making love to black sky,
Surrounding me, dancing furiously, infinitely…
I spin, as you did, and fly from my tray, sliding on my ass until I skid to a stop on the macadam.
The world freezes, its action ceases,
But my heart still races; my body throbs.
We laugh as we rub our chapped, bleeding hands.
We don't need to say anything more,
We walk home, smiling silently.

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