A Fear's Effect

Standing by the wall As the music starts to pound Everybody dancing, moving with the sound Awkwardness, uncertainty A fear that grips my heart It makes my limbs go still In this dance, I don't take part

Climbing up the element Finally reach the top I look out over the high bridge My heart's beating nearly stops Legs wobbling, I hug the tree so far above the ground I can't imagine walking that So I turn back around

Sitting on the main house porch Watch people leave for a run I tell myself I should do that I sigh, squint in the sun When they return, they look so tired I say: I can't do that So I keep sitting on the porch Feeling lazy, bored, and fat

Look around at my surroundings Everybody looks so glad With [all this]* friendship and support There's no reason to feel bad Although my fear is natural It's nothing I can't beat

I get up off the porch I let go of the tree Take a deep breath, and smile And start to tap my feet

* originally "Aloha," but it was changed for a non-Aloha community.