He skates on thin ice, with the ease of a champion,
Because he’s had a lifetime to practice.
Lost in the music that plays inside his head,
He dances, all alone and unencumbered.
Bending his head as he glides through a turn,
He smiles at his shining reflection.
A crack in the surface reveals the depths below,
Where fear and longing and I reside.
I’m used to the chill and welcome the numbness,
That’s finally frozen my heart.
It no longer beats for hope without resolution,
For words declaring love that never blooms.
Etched in the tissue of my foolish, trusting spirit,
Scars replace years of careless wounds.
The higher I dared to let his words lift me,
The farther and harder I fell.
Having tasted real love, I remember it clearly,
And settling for less no longer serves me.
I’ve put down my weapons, those cruel, shaming words,
I spat upon myself, just for caring.
He skates on thin ice, with the ease of a champion,
Because he’s had a lifetime to practice.
Lost in the music that plays inside his head, he dances,
All alone and unencumbered.
Out of My Mind 
Sep 16, 2014 @ 16:44:07
Moving
Sep 17, 2014 @ 19:54:36
Thank you, April. I’m so glad you enjoyed my post!
Sep 16, 2014 @ 16:48:59
Beautiful use of words!
I love it. =)
Sep 17, 2014 @ 19:52:34
Wow…How lovely! (blushing)
Thank you for the encouragement. I deeply appreciate it!
Sep 17, 2014 @ 19:53:40
You’re very welcome! =)
Sep 16, 2014 @ 17:34:24
Nice imagery. As for whether it should rhyme, our current poetry professor told the class it’s not necessary and it’s often too difficult to pull off effectively .
Sep 17, 2014 @ 19:49:26
Thanks so much! And I appreciate the tip from your poetry professor. I’m learning…
Sep 22, 2014 @ 13:16:26
You were right to pursue writing and kinder still to publish your work. This poem is captivating as it paints the picture of how effortlessly one imprisons the emotions of another. As I read through your posts, I find myself revisiting, rereading and connecting to the words generated by a talented and tender heart. Please, do continue 🙂
Sep 28, 2014 @ 21:11:30
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your words. I want to keep writing, but sometimes I get in my own way…You made me brave, again.
Sep 29, 2014 @ 01:24:17
:-). I sometimes wreck myself when writing from what I know and remember. It does take a lot of bravery to do that to oneself often. I think it’s the raw emotion that fuels a talented pen. It’s okay to doubt. Just don’t stop writing AND publishing. We, your readers, are rewarded every time you do.
Sep 28, 2014 @ 21:17:48
“…it paints the picture of how effortlessly one imprisons the emotions of another.”
This is such a gorgeous and thoughtful depiction. Thank you!
Sep 29, 2014 @ 01:32:15
This was such a great poem to me. I was captivated by the imagery that played in my mind as I read it.