These great poems were written by Cricket! Give her a hand! They're great!
(This first one is about Paul's "On the Waterfront" performance) A TOUCH OF FIRE He stands alone Encompassed in black Hints of red Energize the darkness The story begins with a single movement Two arms reach out Tension in a gesture In every beat each rhythm is a new revelation Tenderness is in the glance Release is within his power Footsteps gain urgency Becoming a plea for survival Falling one hand extended A little death He rises again to triumph to challenge Fate (This one is about his JFK performance) AN ALL-AMERICAN BOY As a child living in Dallas you witnessed the aftermath of the death of JFK As a comprehending adult you chose to create a tribute on the theater of ice A clear mirror Poignancy and emotion present from the first backward glide Spirals meld together the line is elegance itself As you reach upward hands cradle an absent friend With an air of noble regard Edgy leaps and taut spins equal tension and turmoil of this moment in history Defiance of nature in the supreme balance of a brilliant spread eagle Arms form a circle representing a world vision Now we are part of a note of longing Just as a young boy saw almost a lifetime ago We remember your gesture tears behind the stoic reserve A final salute to an American leader's spirit A haunting farewell We are left with your vision of innocence lost Dignity present in your eyes A reflection of courage is mirrored in your tears A luminous portrait of a time gone by and the limitless potential of a future to come The child becomes a man (This one is about Paul's 1992 Olympic free-skate; Henry V) VISIONS OF AN ARTIST A surface unlike any other Mirror-smooth and clear yet dangerous If one underestimates it Here is one who forms with it a lasting bond Wordless communication between a force of nature and of man A final element completes the picture He blends into one with the elements Breathtaking jumps Innovative interpretation mesmerizing viewers with elegance and poise They are being given a special gift to be part of his circle for a single moment A figure skater's world the final element is music the surface is ice Earning a physical prize yet what the world saw was a glimpse of the joy within the human heart We will not forget his gift We will remember this vision
Wow! Cool huh! I could never imagine putting into words the feelings that arise watching Paul perform. Great job, Cricket!