I speak but my words seem to fall short, crumbling before the passage of the ear
Frustrating gnawing deep within, held back by a seemingly unconquerable fear
Ignored for too long, this is all wrong, I must become strong to create a place for me to belong
So I take a deep breath, maybe 1 or 2 more, a shaky step, darting eyes, but a determined soul
Looming upon the stage, a drought has begun within while rain falls out upon my body
A thousand eyes pierce me, a small voice cries out inside and struggles to flee
Fists clenched, back straight, a mighty roar erupts from my lungs shocking the crowd
A fire is born, burning away doubt into ash, consuming the silence steadfast and loud
Gathering up the last remaining traces of terror, I expel them with a single blast
My shadow lies behind me, a reminder of every fail of the not-so-distant past
A resilience bred and prepared to handle the future when things become rough
As I step into tomorrow, taking what would not be given, for of the present I had had enough