A Gymnast's Prayer

Patience is man's greatest virtue or so the saying goes,

A gymnast must have said it, for a gymnast surely knows.

That in this funny sport of ours,

Discouragement runs high.

And at times the best will find

this virtue has passed by.

When hands are ripped and throbbing,

When every muscles sore,

Can a Gymnast still have patience,

To go back to the gym for more?

When you've lost old moves you used in days,

And progress seems so slow,

Can you still have Faith in better days,

And not feel sad and low?

Can you admit you're frightened,

Yet not give into fear?

Can you conquer pain, frustration, and often even tears?

When someone else does something,

You've tried so long to do,

Can you really feel glad for them,

Or just pity for you?

And when success seems far away,

You're efforts all in vain,

Can you force yourself to wear a smile,

And disregard the pain?

If despite the tribulations,

You say,

"I Won't Give In!"

Maybe someday you'll discover...

IT'S YOUR DAY TO WIN!