I wish I were a figure skater.
With legs the glide across the ice like a toy boat
in a stream.
With arms that form perfect lines from tip to tip.
I want to jump and land one-footed.
Tilt my head back and stare at the lights,
or through a crowded stadium
with everyone screaming my name,
cheering me on.
I wish to leap through the musical crescendos,
and pirouette above every mark.
I want to float backwards over the surface of my consciousness.
Wrap my leg behind my body, toe to crown
and spin and spin and spin.
until the world feels like it will spin with me.
I want Her to spin with me
so that everyone feels the freedom I feel
when I dance on my glaciated stage.
I think if I were a figure skater,
I might just want to run away.
Run away from the lights,
from the crowds,
from the music urging me on.
For something so beautiful, a silence
is required.
If I were a figure skater,
I would like to climb the highest mountain
I could muster, put on my skates
and move my body
in rhythm of the wind
under the watchful eye
of Mama-moon.