Ilene Bauer Poet Rhyme

Gymnasts

Gymnasts on the balance beam,
Poised and in control;
Somersaulting, toes a'point -
Gold their longed-for goal.
 
Dusted hands for surer grips,
Hair slicked back from faces;
Ready to perform what they've
Perfected through their paces.

Eyes like lasers, bodies taut,
They spring and bolt and leap,
Doing the routines they've practiced 
Even in their sleep.

One false move, though, poof! it's gone -
The years and the years of training.
Through the smiling mask, we see
The hope so quickly draining. 

Still, we must applaud their skill.
They've made it to the dance,
And though they may not medal there,
At least they had the chance.

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Rockman Pritts August 1, 2012 at 7:21 AM Well put. I can't even imagine being able to do the things that they do. But I can appreciate it because it is so amazing. I just wish that they could read this poem so that could appreciate what you do. Rockman

Andrea Dietrich July 31, 2012 at 9:25 PM I am always amazed at how many of these great poems you put out, Ilene. Keep it up with your social comments thru poetry. Love it.

Joyce Johnson July 31, 2012 at 5:33 PM The gymnasts are my favorites of the games and you do them justice with your poetry. It must be very sad after doing a movement in prctice faultlessly, to make a small error in the contest and lose their chance after working for four years. The gymnasts are so young too and it is amazing what they can do. Thanks for the poem. Love, Joyce