I stand up,

and step into the spotlight.

All eyes are on me.

I open my mouth,

and begin to read the poem.

Don’t forget to read

with emotion, I tell myself.

But I can’t.

I’m too choked up.

Everyone is staring at me.

Their eyes dig into my flesh

and suck up all of my confidence.

Please, just get me out of here.

I really hate these stupid performances.

I finish reading.

Everyone claps.

But I know

what they’re really thinking.

Theater class is not kind

to a loser like me.