Landing a Waltz

Find the moment when
space, air
agree to lift and embrace
your descent;

remember
softly,
kiss the ice toe
to edge,

anticipate
like the first time
your mother, father,
let go-
as your first step

shoulders forward,
don’t look back

trust the seconds of comfort
of knowing
they are still behind you
watching

your feet,
let them
a moment of hesitation
to listen,

the silence
of your blades slicing
through vacuum,

even if you fall
and shatter
no one will hear you cry,

so give in to your arms,
your legs-
they want to move on
outwards;

let them
this disconnection
as if to say goodbye

before you descend
unsupported, boundless
as freezing water
eager to become one
with the ice beneath.