The Clog Skates.
By Warne Wilson.
Copyright 2012 by Warne Wilson
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The Clog Skates
Leeuwarden, Holland. February 1954.
At Van Linden’s bakery, Hans Ruyg shook fragrant loaves from hot tins but his mind was riveted to the radio news. Temperatures had been dropping, and the canal ice already thickened beyond the 15 centimetres required for the great race.
A clarion call of trumpets, then an excited announcer broke in to the program; “It giet oan!” (It is on!). “Elfstedentocht; the Eleven Cities Race will start tomorrow in Leeuwarden!”
A few blocks from the bakery, Hans’ sweetheart, Gretchen, was glued to the radio. Gretchen worried about Hans. He could be injured if he raced and she had been praying for warm air to stop the ice thickening. Skidding on icy footpaths, she ran to the bakery. The doorbell jangled on its spring. There she found Hans in the shop, grinning and blushing as his workmates patted his shoulders for luck.
Hans saw Gretchen trying to smile as she took in the scene. With a nod from the baker, he steered her out into the bitter street. “Please Hans, do not do it!” A tear brimmed, then coursed down her cheek, “I am frightened that you will crash and hurt yourself. You could be lying on the ice far away and I would not be able to help you.”