The Dance of Life

Gliding, flowing, streaming
across the surface,
without effort
without care
without fear,
she slides along.

The ice is slick,
but, on razor’s edge,
she is balanced and strong.
Her blade is firm,
posture sturdy,
confidence in full bloom.

Leaping, landing,
forward and backing,
running, jumping,
dancing and whirling,
spinning, stopping,
pure delight.

Shall we dance? says another,
gliding in, offering his hand.
She, unsure, at once unsteady,
falls in line, takes hold of hand.

Feet to feet and twist to twist,
the two make way across the ice,
yes to yes,
and no to no,
cheek to cheek,
and toe to toe.

Embracing, spinning, pure delight.
Leaning outward, daisy blossom,
coiling inward, serpent strike.
Oh how fragrant,
Oh how deadly.

Yet they turn with smooth precision,
No mistaking the dance of life.