Before You Go

On the edge and down below,

the water ripples and you glow.

“3, 2, 1….3, 2, 1…3, 2, 1 go”

The rush, the wind, the speed, the spots,

around and around and once more, stop.

Kick, look, move, punch.

The release into water, you had a hunch.

In your soul you knew

before you ever made a move:

“Everything always works out for me”

Flying through the air, that’s where I am free.

The thrill, intoxicating. You keep coming back for more.

Pain of imperfection, when you miss, you’re sore.

For days, sometimes weeks - shoulders, thighs back,

but you return again to feel the water break, the sound of the crack.

Addicted to adrenaline, to overcoming fear,

to jump off the platform, surface instantly near.

Diving head first, sometimes unknown,

pride and confidence and a kickass “yes” confirmation….

You’re in the zone.

Only five chances to prove your worth.

All of the blood, sweat, smacks, and tears to come in first.

Ten meters high, on top of your world,

You do it again, even when your brain is swirled. 

Obsessed, dependant, a slave to that pain,

because even a good one - you still feel for days.

You can't get enough, the silence, spins, rips.

And when it's all over, your heart - it's in bits.

The training, the reps, learning everyday

“You will get better,” you tell yourself. You say:

you can do it, you can

(you already have).

You’ve proven yourself again and again.

Always hungry for more - you can always be better.

No perfect 10’s just another day wetter.

Years pass, there is growth, but it’s never enough.

Unbounded love, you will never give up.

Just one more as you swim to the side,

up the stairs, to the edge, 3, 2, 1…glide

And in the arena, mom and dad cheer.

Before you go, knowing you belong here.