Speak

I hold the pen to paper

Looking at the clock

Think

I write of my passions

Of my friends, family, and joys

I write of my pain and my sorrows

Tonight I’ll stand on the stage

Reading my heart and soul off the paper in my hand

The thought sends shiver down my spine

People

People will be watching

They’ll be listening, and snickering

Pointing fingers

Others smile or wipe away tears

I bleed out my spirit on the page in front of me

I hold nothing back

Enjoying the tender moment of vulnerability

Deep breath

Stop shaking

I open my mouth

No words come out

Take a deep breath

Again

The lights beam down

I look out at the crowd

My voice is steady now as I  recite what I had written

I finish, say thank you

And step away from the mic

A pause, then a whistle

Then applause

As I step down from the stage my friend gives me a hug

I love you too she says

And I’ll stand by you always