9th Dec prompt from Fractals Parade - Sleigh Ride: Somehow, Holmes and Watson get involved in a sleigh ride.
Sleigh!
Holmes and Watson, side by side,
perambulate round Hampstead Heath,
cloudless winter skies above them,
crisp and even snow beneath.
A gentle slope with views across the city
stops them in their tracks.
Work consumes them far too often,
rare that both of them relax.
Rare to see them arm in arm,
pause, appreciate the view;
chimneys tall beyond the trees,
the Thames a loop of ribboned blue.
Such a shame this peaceful scene
will last but several seconds more…
let them gaze a moment longer,
ignorant of what's in store.
Robins, squirrels, other wildlife
neither can identify
keep them fully occupied
so neither hears a hasty cry,
of warning and the rushing sound
of runners gliding over snow.
A sleigh, containing shrieking children
scoops them up, and off they go,
down the slope which seems much steeper
hanging on with all their might,
helped by small astonished urchins
clutching sleeves and coat tails tight.
Crisp cold air is rushing past them,
teeth are rattled, joints are jarred,
Holmes discovers calculating speed
by counting trees is hard…
A sudden stop, the ride has ended
both are catapulted out,
land within a large, soft snowdrift,
curse quite loudly, flail about.
The lads are all apologetic,
didn't have the time to swerve,
caps in hand; stern reprimand
is what such careless deeds deserve.
Holmes nods briefly, looks at Watson,
tries to hide his smile, in vain.
"That was…most exhilarating!
May we join you once again?"
~0~