For Bartleby The Scrivener by Billy Collins
"Every time we get a big gale around here some people just refuse to batten down."
we estimate that
ice skating into a sixty mile an hour wind, fully exerting the legs and swinging arms
you will be pushed backward an inch every twenty minutes.
in a few days, depending on the size of the lake, the backs of your skates will touch land.
you will then fall on your ass and be blown into the forest.
if you gather enough speed by flapping your arms and keeping your skates pointed
you will catch up to other flying people who refused to batten down. you will exchange knowing waves as you ride the great wind north.
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