Sanctuary Yet Sacrifice

This poem discusses the paradox of skating. While physically and mentally challenging, the sport will forever be a vital part of my life.

Feet frigid and fingers frail

head and heart hammering  

eyes watering in the wind

bruised body on the brink of blowout.  

As my blades slice through the slippery surface

my coach’s disappointed face fills my vision

and the taste of defeat fills my mouth.

Everyday I ask why I do this

why I put myself through the struggle

why I devote my life to the sport.

Yet everyday I’m back

doing it all over again.

Painful to the body yet vital to the soul

the lure of the ice never leaves.  

Because the reward of success is like no other;

years of pain are nothing compared

to one day of victory.