Breathing
Suffocating.
My chest tightening,
My mouth drying,
My hands shaking,
My heart in my ears - pounding,
But I am not even running.
I am standing here, in front of everyone.
Suffocating.
I am supposed to be speaking,
But my thoughts are disappearing,
Why is this so humiliating?
My face is burning.
Everyone is staring.
Still, I am standing here, in front of everyone.
Suffocation.
Maybe have someone with me in collaboration.
Or have a visual aid for distraction.
I need some way to divert their attention.
I am at a point of desperation.
Everyone says it’s just a presentation.
But I am standing here, in front of everyone.
Suffocation.
I can’t avoid it, was my realization.
I will face it with determination.
They said, use your nerves as inspiration.
I force myself to do more; to condition.
Now I am on stage, feeling liberation!
I am here, standing in front of everyone!
Suffocation.
No longer controlling.
No longer restraining.
Now I am receiving recognition.
Now there is grand pandemonium!
I am here. Standing. In front of everyone.