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