The Fear I Came to Love

I stand on the line

My legs feel weak

I can’t take part in the laughter around me

It feels so distant and bleak

Someone slaps my shoulder

“Look happy,” they say

I force a smile

But I’m afraid

How can I say it?

I’m afraid of a course

I’m afraid of a race

But it’s deeper than that

I’m afraid of failure

Of letting the team down

Of being last

I think I might drown

And before I know it

The starting gun sounds

And all my worry

Hits the ground

The wind in my hair

The sun in my eyes

My feet skim the ground

And I’m ready to fly

I finished that day

My fear disappeared

Now every the time I race

I know that the course is not to be feared