I am sweating, clammy, nervous. My heart beats quickly, loudly. I’m sure they can hear it.
“They are just teenagers.”
I am going to throw up. My stomach churns, roils.
“Remain calm.”
I am getting light headed. Breath in, out, in, out. Quick snatches through my nose.
“You are in control.”
I am standing in front of 36 judging eyes, assessing my trustworthiness.
“Show no fear.”
I am smiling. Teeth bared, lips spread, eyes sparkling, smiling.
I laugh.
They smile back.
“I am ok.”
I love the play of emotions with this poem. In the beginning the speaker is nervous and fidgeting, the build-up of these emotions are done nicely. Then in the end after all that intense emotion we learn the speaker is going to be okay. Such a great poem! 😊