Stage Fright

I look out over the crowd,
And goosebumps cover my skin,
Waiting for my name to be called,
And the humiliation to begin.

I have this horrible condition,
It keeps me from speaking out,
It fills my head with silly notions,
And my heart with fear and doubt.

I walk up to my place on stage,
As the crowd waits for a speech,
The color absent on my face,
Drained by this horrible leech.

Now I'm standing in my place,
Shaking in my underwear,
I stutter and stop and start again,
People are beginning to stare.

I can't even hold the microphone,
Panic has shaken my hands,
My body has finally given in,
To this disease's heartless demands.

I leave the stage hurriedly,
Tears sliding down my cheeks,
Embarrassment haunting my memory,
Taunting me for weeks and weeks.

I'm battling with this monster,
And to find the girl that speaks,
I hope that someday very soon,
My voicebox tears and leaks.

 

Reviews

[Carl Fraser]

I really like this one Rita, I remember those speeches in high-school and your definitely not alone, I used to write crappy speeches because the good ones always qualified to move on to county finals and once was enough for me. Great write Rita............Blessings Carl

[Buddy]

This is a great description of that monster, stage fright, alright. I think this is a great effort of which the imagery reaches out and grabs the reader. Good job. Don

[Lily1111]

This is one of my favorites. I love how well you have captured the feeling of insecurity and pure dread of public speaking so well.

Lines like:

Now I'm standing in my place,
Shaking in my underwear,
I stutter and stop and start again,
People are beginning to stare.

Portray the absolute fear and apprehension so vividly.

[ShadowWolf]

The greatest fear of man, to stand before a crowd had have to speak. I doubt there is anyone who has shared the feeling of terror.

[Tony]

This is a great portrayal of a feeling I remember well. Eloquent, funny, and interesting this is.
Well done!