Intrepid Me Poem by Ernestine Northover

Intrepid Me

Rating: 5.0


I donned the boots with shining blades,
And tottered to the rink,
And as I stepped onto the ice,
My heart began to sink.
How was I, to stay vertical,
On this metal edge so thin,
I felt my legs were giving way,
And my head was in a spin.

I staggered forth, intrepid me,
And toppled straight away.
I tried to rise with dignity,
But my feet would not obey.
I'll never do a figure eight,
Or a treble what's its name,
My only time trying to skate,
Will have no claim to fame.

How slippery this sport, making
One tremble at the knees.
I was holding on to everything,
Even my dungarees.
I really needed thick padding,
On every part of me,
I've now so many bruises,
All the colours of a blackberry.

The ladies glided gracefully,
The men moved with such speed.
I know practise makes perfect,
And that is all I need.
But it all seemed such an effort
To try and stay upright.
An 'Ice Skater' in the making?
I really don't think so, quite!

© Ernestine Northover

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Scarlett Treat 31 January 2007

This is so funny, because it reminded me of the first time I ever ice skated! WE didn't have ice skating in the South, so the first time I went, I stayed flat of my back, except for the times I was on my knees, trying to haul myself upright. And ALL the other skaters, even the two year olds, whizzed by me so fast my fingers were in danger of being amputated! How funny that memory seems...thanks for bringing it back to me.

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Andrew Blakemore 29 May 2008

Another of your funny 'Pam' poems, loved it. Andrew x

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Alison Cassidy 11 February 2007

This is a delightful poem Ernestine. I've never tried skating and I'm sure I'd be just as you have described. You've captured the rhythm of the rink with great style in this clever witty piece. Love it. Allie xxxxxxxxxxxx

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Tranquil Ocean 08 February 2007

Forget ice skating....I cant manage rollerskating also! Great flow and rythm to the poem...thanks for the smile: -) Love...TO

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Frank James Ryan Jr...fjr 31 January 2007

Boy oh, Boy...Do we have something in common...and i was a H.S. & Collegiate athelete, no less...multi-sport....Yet i will never, ever figure(NO PUN) out, how anyone can balnce on blades & on ice no less....Woooooooosh! Splatttt! You bring those sentiments to vivid, almost back-aching, ankle spraining life, young lady! This is, as all tour works are......Smooth as ICE! (OK, THAT WAS A PUN) FRANK/FJR

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Duncan Wyllie 31 January 2007

Hey.. I know this feeling well, but I feel that with a little practice..well..you really could you know, Take care sweetheart and thanks for the laughs Great job Love duncan X

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