Bugs, flies and butterflies
How did they get inside
Of my stomach?
They give me a feeling
That I can’t seem to hide.

I know all the steps.
I practiced all night.
So what’s keeping me
From standing in the spotlight.
From putting on a show
Of such great delight.
I know that I could do it.
Damn you Stage Fright!

What was that cure
That could assure
That they wouldn’t stare?
Mother once shared
That I should imagine
Everyone in their underwear.
That left me more embarrassed.
Oh why did I dare?
Now I have flushed cheeks.
Have violated their privacy
I think I was more afraid of them laughing at me.
It was at that moment that I discovered my greatest fear.

From snickers to chuckles to outburst
Sometimes I laughed too
Other times
It hurt.

I’ve experienced it all at my own expense
From falling in mud
Or down the stairs
Thud! Thud! Thud!
A real joker to the onlooker
It was their comments the most that I wish I could suspend

But what could give me more
Unintended fame
Than the time I rolled
Halfway down the bowling alley lane
Or when the teacher asked “What was a hoe?”
And I said a sl*t
And she said “What!?!
This is gardening
In the guidance office
Was where I then sat my butt

What could top the incident
With the bulldog
Or my dramatic reaction
To dissecting a frog
Embarrassing moments
Numerous is what I’ve had
From me, my sister, my mom
And especially my dad

What more could the world throw at me
If I go out there?
Am I gonna have a wardrobe malfunction?
Slip, fall
Have the laughs roar
Redundant
Or just don’t do it in reluctance

I refuse to stand here
Behind the curtains
Because I’m scared
Because Stage Fright
Got me in the rear.
But as of tonight
I DON’T CARE!!

I’m not going to be hindered
By laughs and critiques
I want to do something
Where I can’t seem to fall but land gracefully
To twirl and jump
As the song sings melodiously.

This was my feeling
About two years ago
I decided to go out there
I performed, I put on a show
Instead of laughs
I got claps
I’m sixteen now
I had to take a second and look back
On how
I managed to wow
The crowd
And what made me
The performer I am now.