Carpe Diem
Stepping on the ice, feeling the rush of cool air,
Ripping blades, slowly skidding to a stop.
Lights dim, and the crowd quiets,
Heart pounding in ears, palms sweating
You can do it, you can do it.
The beginning notes blare out and a spotlight comes on,
Slowly telling a story,
Every jump, every spin, every spiral, rushes by,
Blood flowing with every move,
Minutes pass, muscles giving out,
Breath panting, limbs growing weary,
Tripping, slipping, time stopping
Keep going, ignore it,
Embracing the mistake, and moving on,
Pushing it out, concentrating on the next thing,
Coming back with a vengeance,
Finally, gliding to a stop,
Sweat trickling down,
Waiting for the score, holding breath in anticipation,
Cheers erupting, tears streaming down,
Feeling like an eternity, and a heartbeat.