Stage Fright

A gazillion pairs of eyes
Staring right at me.

Scrutinizing me from tip to toe
As I walk slowly:

Hair neatly braided,
And a tunic faultlessly ironed.

I know what I want to say
Like I know the back of my hand.

And yet, as I look up
To face the crowd

The stage swims in front of my eyes,
And my courage flies out of the window.