Nerves bundled like it’s mid-winter
Stomach acrobatics
Winning a gold medal
Yet I feel like last place
Running to the finish line
My mind at the front
My tongue trailing behind
I can’t do this
The impossible has been handed to me
Who thought this was a good idea?
Time is not on my side
We are opponents in the game of life
I’m left with no allies at my back
My only comfort
My brother
He’s there playing his part
I find the words
They were hiding behind the fear
Stuttering until I find my ground
He appears on the screen
Suddenly it’s simple
My mind and tongue are running together
I’m going towards the finish
I can do this
Confidence nods approval for the line but finding smiling faces
Gliding along
I made it
I finished
He pulled me through
My drive and his assistance
Applause from the silent observers
I’m proud
I pulled through it
With a little bit of assistance