Nerves

The onslaught of nerves comes on fast,

Comes on suddenly

Where two minutes ago I had battled so valiantly,

With confidence and a nonchalant air,

Now I am reduced to quaking, palms sweaty

My stomach turns quickly, turns violently in worry,

As a million wings, dainty but forceful, flap quickly.

Like a flood over a water wheel flows with a vengeance,

So nervousness rolls over my stomach easily.

My mind, once composed, once moving logically, subdued,

Now speeds along like a freight train uncontrolled,

Turns me into jello, into illogical fears and cares

It starts in my head but affects the whole body – I’m

Shaking and cold

And even more now as the moment draws nearer,

I lose who I am: my skin blushes redder and fuller,

My muscles clamp in tension and awful suspense

I’m a ghost of myself, only awkward, and my ego gets smaller.