U-Turns

My life has had so many U-turns in it

it feels like they all led up to this moment

meaningfully:

as when a figure skater jabs progress

to a hard stop and elevates.

Not much more probably needs to be said.

I am airborne, spinning, at least in my head.

The world looking on for snow on my tights

can kiss my frost-covered ass if I fall.

And if it’s not looking, well,

I knew that already.

But recognize, please,

this is what I practiced 

all those U-turns for.