"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.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
What tripe! Yes, of course someone is going to be moved backwards on skates for several days! And then get blown into the air by the wind and wave to others who are unfortunate enough to find themselves in a Collins poem. If the skater were truly like Bartleby, he never would have put the skates on in the first place. He would have preferred NOT to go skating.