it's the pain in the gut of my stomach
like maybe i should say something
but i'm better off if i stay quiet.
it's the burning sensation in my throat
like i'm about to choke up and i need
to swallow before the tears come.
it's the way my hands lose grip
because i get so nervous around people
and i constantly need to wipe them.
it's the fear of going out with friends
because they're probably not laughing
at me but they probably are.