Slalom Course

When a skier "loses his edge," the literal edge of the ski
loses its grip on the snow and just skids out from under him.

Alarm sounds
            and I’m out of the gate—
bobbing and
            weaving,
                        dodging
the obstacles in my path
                        as I face the day.
         Who stuck that flag way over
there???
          I’m barely making it
through
                         but I’m still gaining speed
          and I don’t know
how I can possibly
          stay on my feet.
                                           HELP!
                          I’m afraid
          I’m losing my edge
                          and I’m about
to go down
                                            hard
          but somehow I keep going.
                          No medal
awaits me at the
                                      end of the
          day…
                          just a cup of coffee and,
           if I’m lucky,
                                      a good night’s sleep.
But at least I finished;
Some days
that’s the best I can hope for.