Controlled Momentum

The polished mahogany handrail offered an unbroken line to the foyer below. Descending the stairs riser by riser felt unnecessarily slow. I stepped onto the smooth crest and tested the lacquer with my boot soles. Slick. Lowering my stance, I pushed off. The wood hummed beneath my boots as speed gathered, the vertical balusters blurring into a rhythmic fence. The lower post approached fast. I braced my knees and met the rounded finial with both boots, absorbing the rush in a single, balanced pivot. A swift arrival. My footing held true.