A Gymnast's Prayer
by Christine
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray I'm "4 for 4" at tomorrow's meet
But however it goes, win or not,
I pray the creator of beam be shot!
The first event is up
I perform a stuck routine,
Just got a 9.85 on bars,
but now I'm off to beam!
I'm wobbly at the beginning,
But gaining confidence more and more
I get a 9.65-my personal best,
And now it's time for floor!
I mix with the music
Like ocean water and salt,
A 9.75's my score,
Let's hear it for vault!
I sprint down the runway,
Hit the springboard with power;
I miss my tsukahara,
Giving a little salute as I cower.
Thank God I have another chance-
On vault women get two shots.
I pop off the horse and stick my landing;
My stomach unties its nervous knots.
The meet's almost over-
Just awards to get through.
I get third place on vault,
My score's 9.672!
I'm first on bars,
I let out a nervous quiver
I receive a second on beam,
Just missed gold by a sliver.
Floor's up next,
I'm awarded second place;
In All-Around I get first-
A huge trophy with a case!
Here comes Team AA,
We all suck in a deep breath;
"WCGA WINS GOLD!!!"
yells the announcer named Seth.
The meet was stupendous,
I had fun and learned a lot-
Like no matter how crazy it seems,
Old Johan Gutsmuth won't be shot!
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