A Quick Slide

I stood at the top of the low porch steps, looking down the wide handrail. It sloped gently toward the garden walkway, polished smooth and warm. I paused for a moment, pressing one foot against the slick grain to test the slant. Then I tucked my feet forward and sat down. A gentle lean was all it took. I glided steadily down the wood, feeling the polished surface sweep beneath me. At the bottom, I bumped softly against the rounded newel post and came to a stop. Looking back up the incline, that was much faster than waddling.