The+Littlest+Gymnast-Carolyn


 * The Littlest Gymnast

By Carolyn Calder  ||  || Face like that of a porcelain doll, Legs shaking, Her heart bangs against her chest ten times its regular pace. She bites her lip, Fighting back the wave of tears That are threatening to break free. The music starts.
 * The littlest gymnast walks to the floor,

Her heart suddenly stops. The lights shine in her face, Like a spotlight suddenly directed upon her. The faces of her family stand out among the crowd- Proud, nervous, excited. She can't let them down. The girl moves her foot- Maybe to run, maybe to hide.

Before anyone can move or say a thing, Her arms lift and she turns towards the judges. A triumphant smile flashes across her face And she begins.

The littlest gymnast walks off the floor, Receives from her teammates and coaches, She waits for her score.

What did she get?

As she ascends the steps to the podium, The littlest gymnast seems to grow in size. She races across the floor, Into the waiting arms of her mother. No longer named, No longer labeled,

The littlest gymnast. || ||