A Gymnast's Prayer

Patience is man's greatest virtue,
or so the saying goes.
A gymnast must have said it,
for a gymnast surely knows.
That in this funny sport of ours,
discouragement runs high,
And at times the very best may find
this virtue's passed them by.
When hands are ripped and throbbing,
and every muscle's sore,
Can a gymnast still have patience,
to limp back in for more?
When you've lost old moves you used to do,
and progress seems so slow,
Can you still have faith in better days
and not feel so sad and low?
Can you admit you're frightened,
yet not give in to fear?
Can you conquer pain, frustration,
and often even tears?
When someone else does something,
you've tried so long to do,
Can you feel happy for them,
and not just pity for you?
If despite the tribulations
you can say I will not give in,
Maybe you'll discover
that it is your turn to win.