My hands were sweating.

My throat was squeezing.

Hardening.

I couldn't do it.

"elliot, please read your poem"

my teacher says softly.

But I couldn't,

and that's when the class

broke out in snickers.

"loser"

"coward"

"can't even recite a poem"

I couldn't breathe.

My heart was pounding and pounding,

wanting to escape my chest.

"elliot-"

The bell rang,

I handed my paper to the teacher,

she took it

and I walked away,

body trembling,

hands twitching.

It was then that I took a deep breath

because I'm fine

I'm fine

I'll be fine.

| Dedicated to @Keesayou for helping me get to where I am today |