That first step into the gym,

a glimpse

dozens of faces

anonymous and strange.

I wonder who will make the cut.

Will I?



The coach in the corner

watches with the keen eye of a hawk.

Her eyes focus on me.

I tense up as I see the look on her face.

She's watching. Show her what you've got,

I think to myself.



Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.

I wonder whether I will be around after cuts.

Will I be one of the lucky few to

make the team?



Friday,

try-outs end.

Coach says, "Names will be posted.

Good luck."



After tripping on the front step

to the holy building,

I dash to that sacred piece of paper

which I hope holds my name.

Breathing heavily,

I round the corner

and see the sheet of paper

in the distance on the wall.

I run so fast that I slam my body

against the hard red bricks.

Slowly

I start to scan the list

for my name.

Two thirds of the way down

I see it,

staring back at me in bright blue ink.