Figure Skater

She holds her orbit with her arms,
embracing the air as she revolves.
Balanced on the blade edge,
her shadow moves as she moves,
more faithful than body is to mind.

The ice records what I cannot—
thrusts, axles, turns and jumps,
how she draws the world into a spiral,
or with a gesture rises into a whirlwind,
and with a bow unwinds and brushes
the outer edge of perfection.


—Eric Nelson