The Greatest Performance of My Life

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I have been on stage a couple of times in my life, but this was definately my best performance. At age 7,  I was in a gymnastics show at my school for all the parents. I was always into tumbling, flipping, and rolling around.  I was fascinated when I watched the acrobats when I first saw them at (Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus), back in the day. Back then, that was my childhood dream...to be an acrobat. I was the most agile child of the ten in our group, so, they put me as the top-dog and the last to do a tumble sault- over the row of three kids. I remember being very nervous and all I kept thinking about is that everyone was watching. The first nine kids had to do a tumble sault over one person- kneeling on all fours. The last person (me), had to do a tumble sault over three kids. When you do a tumble sault, you run, put your hands on the ground, and roll. Well, what I did, and I have no idea how I did it, was a complete flip (no hands) over the three kids. Everyone cheered and gave me a standing ovation. Till this day...I still, don't know how I did it.  

I was scared, shaking, and afraid 
Thought- 'bout to rain...on my parade 
One hundred eyes- staring me down 
Mostly, folks from my hometown 

My first performance of my life- ever  
Not been on stage before, nope...never 
A silent crowd watched my act 
Until the end...no one clapped 

Three lined bodies, all in-a row 
My time had come, my time...to go! 
A tumble sault- 'twas meant to do 
But when I leapt...I thought I flew
 
I fully flipped- to perfection 
One hundred eyes- in my direction 
Mom's huge smile, dad so proud 
As loud claps echoed, 'mongst the crowd 

My greatest performance, just seven years old 
But my claim-to-fame, doth I... still hold   


Greatest Performance Poetry 
Contest Sponsor: JCB Brul 
5-20-2022

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022



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Date: 8/4/2022 1:18:00 AM
Well penned with skills.. Blessings
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Date: 7/13/2022 1:54:00 PM
Thoroughly enjoyed the read and very proud of your 7-year-old self. Knowing that many people are watching adds a whole layer of stress, especially to a young person and you overcame that and stuck the landing! Congrats for both the successful tumble-sault and the contest win ~ John
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Date: 7/13/2022 11:17:00 AM
Back with "Congratulations" on this win. A Wonderful story/write. Have a blessed day writing away...........
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Date: 5/31/2022 1:04:00 PM
A "Wonderful" write. I read that Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming back. I think next year. Today, be blessed as you write away.............
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Date: 5/24/2022 5:56:00 AM
I felt like I was in the audience, Charlie. A delightful verse. I can still hear the clapping. Take care, Shirley.
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Date: 5/24/2022 5:43:00 AM
Really enjoyed this wonderful story Charlie….written beautifully! Glad to see you back also!Debx
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Date: 5/24/2022 5:17:00 AM
Charlie, what a fantastic memory! You perfectly poeticized it as well! I can just see it! Good luck in the contest!! Happy Tuesday !
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Date: 5/23/2022 1:33:00 PM
Your tumbling + gymnastic skills are a metaphor for life, Charlie. Through the years we vault over much in our way. A most enjoyable read. Congratulations on your memorable childhood performance - a memory to value. Be well. Brian
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Date: 5/20/2022 10:25:00 AM
An enjoyable story Charlie, you missed your calling, you could have been a top star in a circus. Hope you're keeping well Charlie. Tom
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Charles Messina
Date: 5/21/2022 5:16:00 PM
Indeed, I did. My grandfather owned a circus, but it was long gone before I was born (lol). Doing well...Thanks Tom. Charlie
Date: 5/20/2022 9:37:00 AM
I absolutely love this story. A great poem, I enjoyed! Congratulations :)
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Charles Messina
Date: 5/21/2022 5:17:00 PM
Nice to hear you enjoyed this, Heidi. Thank you so much! Hope allis well. Hugs
Date: 5/20/2022 9:33:00 AM
That's quite a feat at the age of seven. Well done then, and now in the commemoration of your great performance, Charlie.
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Charles Messina
Date: 5/21/2022 5:18:00 PM
Thank you so much, Jenna. So long ago...I might have been 8 (lol) Hugs
Date: 5/20/2022 9:27:00 AM
And all this at seven years old. A great acrobatic feat.
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Charles Messina
Date: 5/21/2022 5:19:00 PM
Thank you, Victor. Much appreciate your visit. Hope you are doing well.
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