tracks

Not much taller than my waist, her bright eyes caught mine and we shared a smile. Skis in one hand, poles in the other, she appeared confident. Was that her Dad—carrying skis for himself?

I watched the child engage others with her eyes.
Her smile was…magical, mischievous, mirthful.

At the trailhead, the pair set their skis down.
I watched Dad’s gentle instruction…
place your foot here, lift your heel.
Dad depressed the lever connecting ski and boot.

Later…
at the tip-top of the Magic Carpet’s gentle, rolling decline, we approached tall and small from behind.
Dad was keeping a close eye, looking back…growing legs do not travel quite as fast as taller ones. I sensed awareness…not wanting his charge to get run down from behind.

Me and my taller legs, which are gaining competence after their third visit to the trails, scooted around the daughter/daddy duo.

As I rode the magic carpet, I pondered the tracks…
parent was lovingly laying for child.