Fingers are shaking
Lips are bit
I stare at my feet barely registering
the fact that anything else is happening
waiting is always the worst part.

Trying to convince my mind
that everything will be just fine
completely on the verge
of being gone.

Preparing myself
in every way
besides actually being prepared
for things
that happen
in life.

Finally the light shines down on me
I smooth out my shirt
take those first few steps
take a deep breath...

At that moment
when I come around to thinking
I can do this, it's not so bad...

I figure out
I didn't practice my lines
I don't even know what show I'm
supposed to be in.

These people expect something
There they wait, quiet, staring
some start laughing at my silence
because everyone should know what they are doing.