The ice is thin around here.

I’ve learned to watch where I step.

One wrong move and I’m done,

Never to be seen again.

 

But your steps are confident,

No hesitation in your strides.

You know it won’t break,

At least not for you.

 

You dance circles around me;

Your feet remain steady

While mine skid.

And this is your game, I know.

 

Because when I start to gain balance,

Still careful not to step too hard or too quickly,

You’re one step ahead of me.

 

You zip past me, pushing me down.

My heart drops as I plummet,

But just as I’m about to fall through,

You pull me up.

 

You make sure I know

The only reason I’m still here,

Is because of your good grace.

 

You make sure I know

That if I step out of line again,

You won’t be so forgiving.

 

We can keep playing this game

But I am tired of watching my every step,

Of always fearing how you’ll react,

And I can see where the ground is more stable.

 

Then once more you knock me down,

And I decide I’ve had enough.

 

I realize I have the strength

To support myself,

To pick myself up when you knock me down,

To brave this thin ice until I reach the end.      

               

One day I’ll find people

Who will cheer me on as I glide,

And hold my hand when I stumble.

But until then I’ll leave you

Behind on this thin ice.