YOUR SPEED

When he was in middle school, I could beat my son in a sixty-five yard sprint. 

One evening the town put a temporary driver feedback sign on our street

across from the house, the digital counter marking “YOUR SPEED.”

My son tested his speed, 18 mph.

I knew that I would not match it, he Varsity lettered in track and

surpassed me a couple of years ago, but I thought I could make a good showing.

A burst of speed off the line, I always had surprising burst speed,

And then the churning cycle in my legs went all wrong. 

I crumpled into the asphalt catching the fall with my hands.

It was a shock to have my body fail me. 

We were entertaining another family and I think my display

gave everyone a good laugh.

I spent the rest of the night downplaying the road rash on my hands and

Boozing away the sting.