The lights are almost blinding,
when I look out into the crowd.
I can see the shapes of people.
I know their eyes are on me,
yet I cannot make out their faces.
The sweat runs down my back
as I say the words
that I have implanted
in my brain,
for this very moment.
Before I know it,
The curtain closes.
Clapping roars on the other side.
Clapping for me
and the people I have grown close to.
Closer than family.
I exhale slowly,
then smile.
All I can think is
I did it.