Primal Fear

For Creative Poetry

I make the perilous trek

To the front of the class.

My palms dampen.

I pray not too look an a*s.

 

I feel nauseated from the

Butterflies behind my navel.

As I look out across the faces

My voice turns to gravel.

 

Raspy words escape.

My voice unable to recant

The terror that shakes my words

As I address my audience.

 

I realize I have many kindred

Among my audience, but

This does nothing to temper the fear

Of Public Speaking 101.

Author's Note

6/24 Words: Navel. Nauseate. Dampen. Kindred. Perilous. Raspy. Recant.

Reviews

[...]

oh, i remember this feeling
you express it so perfectly
(i'm a corporate trainer
and i was a bundle of nerves
before my first session)

[FJ Davis]

They say many people fear public speaking more than death. I'm sure as hell not one of these. To resolve this for yourself, merely consider where you would rather be--standing on grassy ground uncomfortably delivering the eulogy or mutely rotting in a box six-feet underground. Take all the time you need.
Still, getting up in front of a group of people to "speechify"--like the TV cop used to say--"ain't exactly tea with the freakin' queen."
Thanks, Judy, for your artful and well-written reminder that public speaking is no tea party--with or for anybody.

[Chris]

All good intent is forgotten when the 'warbling' tones begin...

[Tasha]

I hate public speaking. You did a fantastic job using the words.

[Poetic Beauty]

Public speaking is very hard for me too. I have gotten a little better but not much. You get your thoughts across clearly. Voice turning to gravel. Yep mine has done that a few time over the years.

[John Jackson (El Juero)]

Toast Masters, that is one solution. lol
Great work here, Judy. A most enjoyable assemblage within the guidelines given.
Happy Fourth!