Acclimatizing

James Murren

15 years ago

a northwest wind blows across the prairie-

the one that made snow in MN and WI 2 days ago-

when the sun is covered by the clouds

i am able to feel the icyness of the flakes as

i pedal hard head down and standing-hunch, hovering

over the saddle, acclimatizing for the coming winter

with my face uncovered and shoes bootieless

slightly stinging face and fingers coverd by gloves

toes are beginning to feel a little cold as the cranks

turn faster after turning south with maybe a little

push from the wind every now and then until it

gusts up and demands that i lower my right shoulder

and lean into it ever so slightly so that the lean angle

and the wind velocity balance me out, wheels rolling

The eastern-most region of the native prairie from the times of the First Nations, Restoration Project, Prophetstown State Park, IN