Waves of embarrassment wash over me
from the top of my head, down.
Can they see it—feel it—
my lack of self-assurance?

Knots of tension
build up in my shoulders,
I try to make them laugh
with me—at me—it doesn't matter.

My hands are shaking—
I'm afraid I'll say the wrong thing—
I'm afraid I'll betray myself.
But now I'm done.