Young Lions With Manes Grown Long

Lanky legs in baggy coverings hide
young lions
as they eye one another intent
on gaining the upper edge,
avoid long conversations instead
content to scull the surface, posturing
slouch language, tough talk
most wouldn't dare carry out.

Skateboards snap
sharply to waiting hands,
casually mastered gesture speaks
personal independence, a subtle
"I'm one of you," message.

True test of belonging within
this hierarchy of teen boys,
occurs on the half-pipes
and rails

where tricks, bravado
and sheer insanity rule,
their body-breaking wipeouts
handled like a cat after a fall.

With a casual dismissal of all pain
boards flip, wheels roll
as rubber soles push off,
and they fly again.

Copyright © 2006 by Judy Beaston