I talk about the context of the poem in the video and a little about the form. It’s a classic Elizabethan sonnet, but it has more than one volta or turn, and the rhythm plays some tricks, which is fitting because it’s about spinning out of control.

Also, I highly recommend Brian McLaren’s book Life After Doom that I mention in my introduction.

Here is the poem:

360s down a steep slope skating rink—
my toddler daughter in the truck jump seat—
a cliff on one side—we slide toward that brink
and slam, spin, slam, by grace or lucky cheat,
against the three trees on that deadly side.
There’s nothing I can do with brake or wheel.
I let go, turn and smile, as if to slide
and smash and spin dizzy is fun to feel,
as if I know that things will work out right,
because the only thing in all my mind
is care for her, the urge to hold her tight
and have her know that life can still be kind—
even when, past control, all falls apart—
a gentle snow bank comes, a loving heart.

8/15/24