Gymnastics, World Competition

Room full of them
bendy lizards in spangly costumes
everyone can bend their face to the floor here
except for me

why do my feet hurt?
the other kids videotaping
for five hours
even though I clutched lollipops
prepared to quell breakdowns
ready ahead of time

I didn't need the lollipops
our bendy girl
almost best in the world
at flipping around on the springy floor
best in the world to us
who cares what that lady thinks, with the pen

we eat bread
sleep in sweaty palm springs
back in the white van
delivered to quiet home
we missed the rain
the medals are heavy
bendy girl light
it's over, summer free now