The Smell of Anticipation

Watching the weather
checking the gear
loading the car
for the ski trip
nothing to fear

Down in the shop
on the bench
the tools all laid out
the smell of anticipation
hanging ripe in the air

The old iron heating
the wax, the glister all ready
they blade filed,
put in its place

His motions practiced
a dance down the skis
preparing them
based on conditions
we would see in the morning
gliding with ease

February 1, 2010
my father getting our family’s skis
before a day of skiing,
whether at home or a chalet