These Are My JOTtings...

Snow-Discing into the Graveyard

Enough snow had come down
that my Dad took the family out to look
for a hill just right
for my first breezy trip
on the new snow disc.

We found one thick with snow,
and tall enough to make this nine-year-old's tummy tickle.
Could I really trust myself to this metal creme-filled doughnut
that was really only half a doughnut and no filling?

More thrilled than scared,
I made it to the top of the hill,
sat in the disc,
and pushed off with my hands.

Down I went!
Down!
Down!
Down!

Waving at the birds,
Eating fluffs of powder,
Heart pounding out of my chest!

The ride took days,
past clouds,
o'er the blue,
rattling 'round the moguls,

UNTIL...

I left the hill
and started scooting
across the parking lot,
nearly slaloming
through a tunnel
that turned out to be
the belly of a car.

Mom was adamant.
"Let's find a new hill!
And that's FINAL!"

At least the parking lot
was outside of a hospital.
I didn't have too far to go
to the morgue.

Thank The Lord,
I'm still alive!
From the sweat beads and tears on my mother's cheeks,
I'd say she agrees with me.

by Jay O'Toole
On August 22nd, 2018