From behind the glass,
I watch your freedom glide away along the glossy surface.
You skate as if your life depends on it,
I wish such a young soul could forget these burdens.
All your worries appear as the scratch of your skates
leave deep cuts on the ice.
The heavy stillness of the cold air
weighs down on your shoulders.
Your labored breath begins to cloud your vision.
The abandonment of the empty building
fills your legs with the lead of disappointment.
Sitting on the endless bench looking over the rink,
your head dips low to your knees
as your tears stain the ground below.

Only seven years ago,
I met you for the first time.
The scent of pine and cinnamon filled the house
as the entire family celebrated Christmas together.
Finally, you experienced the warmth of family and love.
The piles of crinkled wrapping paper
and the stacks of unwashed plates
only added to the feeling of love.
Your luminescent smile filled the room.
Arms opened wide,
we loved you immediately.
The joy of a new family, one to keep,
helped to raise your hope for a new life.
An endless supply of energy and pride
lifted you from the demons of the past.

As I stare as you struggle to stay afloat,
my eyes begin to cloud with the pain you feel.
A family embraces each other
during the worst and best times.
Your head lifts as I call your name,
I see the light that used to always come from your eyes
blink into existence for a moment.
I sit next to you and grab your hand.
No matter how deep you go,
I will always be there to pull you out.