Fast Flakes
By Larry Rochelle

side by side
contestants jockey
looking into the white
flakes of speed.

each resting vertically
feet encased in boots
fingers gripping
wood ready for release.

paths of ice glitter
while most tots
clear out
the demons possess
these speedsters.

on signal mates
pump up their courage
and shove off
danger flying past
as dark tree trunks
menace and fresh
flakes fall.

— Larry Rochelle, winner of the Kansas Poetry Book of 2004 Award, lives in Overland Park. Poet’s Showcase features work by area poets. Submit your poetry via e-mail with a subject line of Poet’s Showcase to mpaget@ljworld.com or send typewritten (not handwritten) submissions to Mindie Paget, 645 N.H., Lawrence 66044, attn: Poet’s Showcase. Teen writers should submit their work to the 18 & Under page at teens@ljworld.com.