The Skater

~

A clang as the metal hook of the barrier is slid back in to release the barrier gate and the Skater steps forward in a gliding motion onto the ice. Their steps are soon powering forward, a subtle crunching against the fresh ice. Steel sluicing across ice with grinding echoes. Tiny fragments of ice that shatter from the still reflective surface, leaping out of the blades path. Fine white lines in curves being carved into that frozen pool. Faster the etched surfaces are formed, the crunching and grinding growing as the blades power forward with speed. The lines forming in curves and arcs, scratching across the surface gradually building up its scarred exterior. And then the skater pushes out a foot forwards to skid to a stop, fine drifts of snow spraying in its wake, leaving a wide fluffy white line over the ice. The skater leans across the barrier as their coach puts on his skates, and then there is no longer the solitary skater, no longer the magical moments of carving up the ice in gentle arcs, instead there is hard work and arguements and exasperation at not being able to succeed.