Gabby on the Floor

Fly, Gabby, Fly!
Sixteen years old,
each and every muscle trained to perfection,
her body twists and torques in the pure air
getting height, more height than we ever thought possible.
Fly, Gabby, fly!
First woman of color to win all-around champion,
and twice in the same Olympic year.
Gabby searched for the right coach
who could push her the farthest.
Fly, Gabby, fly!
Homeschooled by her adoring mom
with the pure devotion this effort would require,
she breaks down as the numbers appear for the gold.
The crowd claps excitedly in rhythm as she leaps.
She is pure focus, and a dash of imp.
Fly, Gabby, fly!
Each muscle moves not one way, but all ways,
and altogether a vision of synchrony.
“Looking golden for this girl,” says a voice.
They say the people can fly.
Fly, Gabby, fly!

Annelinde Metzner
August 6, 2012

Watch Gabby Douglas in her floor exercise at the 2012 Olympics here.