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Fiona Hall

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Skating Lesson

You took me ice-skating again today,
offering me coffee, drawing me on quietly
with your easy-to-answer Did you say
it was last Saturday the children left?
until my knees are almost not shaking
and I can keep going all round the edge of the pond
by asking how the family coughs are doing.
(His mother’s heart’s been bad, but she’s improving …)

Without my realising, you’ve brought me out
where there’s nothing to clutch at and the ice
has thinned to transparency. I’m about
to drive in my heel for the pure shock
of plunging in living water — but it’s alright,
suddenly we’re heading for the side. I find
you’ve somehow told me where he’ll be tonight.

I give you chocolate then, pathetic thank-you,
but stumble by the bank and disappoint you.
I’ll concentrate, try not to do it again,
not panic so - Drive safely on your train!

Though what protection I’d not beg
for you whose card is marked, who says
we’re all called off the ice sooner or later.
Make me a good skater.

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