She pauses...
left foot held high
knee bent
arms aloft.

one second... two...

and she throws herself to the ground,
shooting splayed legs skywards,
supported on skinny arms
made strong by the confidence
and vigour of youth.

A perfect circle.

A few skips then again

a quick twirl then again

a shriek of ecstacy then again.

Turning cartwheels
in the face of the world.


Version II ...

She pauses...
left foot held high
knee bent
arms aloft.

one second... two...

A perfect circle.

A few skips then again

a quick twirl then again

a shriek of ecstacy then again.

Turning cartwheels
in the face of the world.