I am from shiny sequins,
From thick dark makeup and heavy fake eyelashes.
I am from slicked back buns, bobby pins, bows, bun nets alike.
Coughing on hairspray fumes,
Hands sticky from the gel.
I am from the ripped tights and jazz shoes worn
From the countless hours of leaps and pirouettes.

I am from the blood, sweat, and tears,
From the stretched knees and pointed toes.
I am from the bruised legs and mental exhaustion,
To the plastered smiles and performance factor.
I am from the radical change of “not good enough”
to “we could not be more proud”.
From the hard work and years of commitment,
The accomplishment entirely fulfilling.

But I am also from the diamond.
From the packed gravel and chalked lines,
The chainlink fence rattling from excitement.
I am from the chants and high-fives,
Keeping me going throughout each inning.

I am from the smack of the ball hitting the bat,
Soaring deep in the outfield.
Heavily breathing as I sprint the bases.
I am from the days of achievement,
The days of failure.
From the anxiety of competition,
To my own personal determination.

I am from the environment of hard work,
The rollercoaster of ups and downs.
From the glam to the dirt,
The girly side to the tom-boy.
From the polar opposites of athletics,
Both which bring me unbearable joy.