Public Speaking

This tiny heart of mine fast beating
Soon all of my thoughts are fleeting
Can’t keep this fear from creeping
Up through my body, now is heaving

This anxiety always grips my throat
My sweaty hands make a note
The speaker ahead of me didn’t choke —
Gosh, why can’t I remember what I wrote?

I’m prepared like the rest, maybe even more
Why does this fear clutch me to my core?
I heard my name, under my breath I swore
Their staring eyes I try and ignore

I stand in front of all my peers
Take a deep breath then all my fears
Slowly fall away, as if like tears
Then I drop the mic, the whole room cheers