A Holiday Skating Poem, Part 1

"Competitive figure skating demands much in the way of encouragement and financial support. This poem was written in appreciation of those who help dreams come true."

The week before Christmas we sat ‘round the ice

In a Stadium filled with both naughty and nice

Audience members lined up in rows

To watch great performers from ice skating shows.

Music and spotlights adorned the ice while

Cast members took their marks with a smile.

Stockings and leggings protected from cold

The night’s great performers, some young and some old.

My wife sat beside me and I held my cap,

Her purse and the program with care on my lap.

I leaned toward the ice when the music began.

I remembered a time when I was a young man,

A time long ago when my body was strong,

I longed to compete, to perform and belong.

But my parents were poor and the rink in my town

Was damaged by storms and then had to close down.

One day before Christmas we found on our deck

Addressed “For Your Skater” an anonymous check.

It paid for my training and coaching for years.

I worked every day, despite aches and through fears

Until the world finally took notice of me

At the championships where I appeared on T.V.

I’d trained for years so that I’d be my best.

That night I knew I could compete with the rest.

I went to my starting spot near center ice.

My music began and I breathed in deep twice,

Inhaling the cold and the smells in the air

Of excitement and all that was possible there.

I skated my best and I landed each jump

Until my skate blade got caught on a lump.

You see, pond ice is bumpy and we were outside.

The fall hurt my knees, but never my pride.

I stumbled but came back to finish and bowed.

I’d made myself and my sponsorer proud.

{continued...}