Is anybody listening? The insanity has begun.

The pressure sets in, it is evident that I am not prepared.

I need to learn to conceal, I mustn’t let my weaknesses show.

Anxiety wins, my legs have become restless as people stared.

Weakness lies within my heart, I do not roar. I can’t be compared

To one whose poise is unimpaired

We all have weaknesses, but it is not always easy to change.

My confidence is weak and burning low, how can I reach the light?

It is possible to answer, but inside there lies a demon.

A mirror appears before me, I study what I see with spite.

Do people see me this way? Deciding which mode should I choose, fight or flight?

I am by no means a brave knight.

There lies a dangerous upspring wavering in my reflection,

That demon speaks, saying “Let me just leave,” saying “Someone kill me!”

The echo of my voice has been consumed by the dementia.

Doubt the truth, but nothing excuses the downward spiral I see.

Who was the one who let my hopes curl up and die? Who could it be?

Lock up emotions, throw the key.

I cannot end here, please overrule the command to disappear.

I am paralyzed by the people screaming "Off with her head!"

Can I find a single person out there to explain to me why

I can no longer say the words that I swore I would never shed?

Who was the one who turned this red heart to black with a single thread?

I cannot end here, so I fled

Panic can seize the heart when one may least expect it. As time progresses,

We will grow, day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year.

We gain strength and courage by each experience that passes by.

I may not be a loin or knight today, but I now know fear.

Taking one step at a time can incite change, and to those who sneer,

Wait until you see me next year.