At first we will meet as friends
(Though secretly I'll be hoping
We'll become much more
& hoping that you're hoping too)

At first we'll be like skaters
Testing the thickness of ice
(With each meeting
We'll skate nearer the centre of the lake)

Later we will become less anxious to impress,
Less eager than the skater going for gold
( The triple jumps & spins
will become an old routine:
We will be content with simple movements)

Later we will not notice the steady thaw,
The creeping cracks will be ignored,
(& one day when the ice gives way
We will scramble to save ourselves
& not each other).

Last of all, we'll meet as acquaintances,
( though secretly we will be enemies,
Hurt by missing out on a medal,
Jealous of new partners).

Last of all we'll be like children
Having learnt the thinness of ice,
(Though secretly, perhaps, we may be hoping
To break the ice between us
& maybe meet again as friends).