Downhill

The snowflakes groan and scatter as I turn
my polarizing mask of little use
against the blinding sunlight -- my legs burn
the flags are flying by, I must not lose!

adrenaline, my speed a practiced pace
and last year's crash old history, I hope
another run, another downhill race
I've conquered all of them, I will this slope

a jump as the hill curves, and I take off
knees to my chin, remembering my form
each millisecond counts, and must pay off
the finish line is near, the coffee warm

the red line's crossed, I brake into the fence
and time resumes its flow into past tense