Pain racing through my body, heading for my heart
Breathe in, breathe out I tell myself
We will be ok
How did we get to this space and time?
Standing here behind the curtains
Crazy thoughts race through my mind
Am I good enough?
Do they really want to hear what I have to say?
How did I get talked into this?
I check my notes, even though I know it’s word for word
I can’t do this!
Breathe in, Breathe out
Paralyzed with fear, I just stand there
Behind the curtains, I hear them say my name
The roar of the crowds
I can’t do this
Breathe in, Breathe out
Telling myself I got this, I can do this
Why does this happen every time?
Paralyzed with fear, I can’t get my feet to move
Mind racing
There was a time when I would have done anything to be here
Now that I am, I can’t get myself to move
I can feel her before she stands beside me
We wanted this so very badly
Now that we are here, together
I can’t get myself to take that first step
She whispers in my ear
“You got this”
Her perfume gently touches my nose and my heart
I take a deep breath, count to three
Stepping out on that stage, I feel like I was born to be here…
I look back and see her smiling, giving me the thumbs up
I smile as she winks at me
I turn back to the crowd, smile and wave and begin…

Copyright 2024 Kim Snyder