Ski scene

Controlling fear, contracting muscles, I wind
down curving piste while trying not to see
the plummeting depth below. I have to find
both strength and courage, so that I can ski.

As I reach the bottom a young girl joins the queue
before me for the lift. Unfit and overweight, she’s
childishly dependent, out of place. I view
her mother help her hold the bar and point her skis.

Dragged back up to the dizzying height, I see
the girl stand close behind her mother, free her hand
then fearlessly follow her down the slope ahead of me.
My eyes are suddenly opened, and I understand:

Trusting the mother and skiing fast behind
requires great courage, for the child is blind.

Alwyn Marriage