sleek silver shines beneath, red-topped white walls surround

hip hop throbs air as steel blades slice through gleaming gloss

thin lines and snowy puffs of grated ice trace-track each sliding stride

each action leaves a signature, a lovely satin scar. . . to mark, not mar

cold hard silken surface, smoothed patiently by old zamboni man

prepped to prettily submit, embrace curved cuts from one and all

at first the surface sliding scares! find I must shamefaced cling

grip hard with both gloved hands, embrace the sturdy wall . . .

then let the right hand glide on red-top upper ledge as I move slow

prepared to grip if grip I must, wall saying it's okay for me to go . . .

slip-slide stumble still, but forward, limbs struggle-striding out

counterclockwise round the glister oval rink as lurching music plays

minutes pass as strong skilled skaters skim on by

thumpy tunes bounce on, vocals soar and growl . . .

magic body learns! recaptures what fearful troubled brain still lacks

forty minutes in, skate free of wall! swifter, pulse smooth to the beat

not choosing to be bold, just find my willful hands have quit the ledge

now left and right both out there, pulse in icy air! moving wildly free

though each time brain awakes, takes note, terror touch ensues-

must slow down fast, stop myself, caress the waiting wall once more.

still feels good, learning-yearning, recaptured flesh from long ago.