The kids gathered and headed for the pond
They carried their ice skates and hurried on
My best friend and I tagged along
Ice skating gave us a fun bond

For Christmas I had gotten new skates
So I could learn to do figure eights
I wanted to make my circle round
So I would be graceful as I spun around

The older boys sped in and out
They grabbed the girls' hats with laughter and shouts
They chased the girls who screamed in delight
The boys were having fun on that early night

As we headed out to play
Let's have a race on Sunday
First the girls would race, and the the boys
Winners would receive a gift — maybe toys

My best friend skated faster than me
She because of broken and frayed laces, you see
"Use my new skates for the race"
I saw the big smile upon her face
As she hurried to get in place.
She pulled ahead and crossed the finish line first
Her heart and mine felt like they would burst!

We went home happy as could be
Share shared her prize with me.
We stumbled along in the snow
As the Christmas lights brightly glowed.

Maxine Seekins lives in Belfast