Just a Few Minutes
September 25, 2010
By Rose Marie Rideout

Just a few minutes to speak
A few minutes to make them believe,
To believe in what I write
So my confidence Ican retrieve.

I look at the mic, there before me,
My hands began to shake, I sweat,
What if they don’t understand,
Will this be something I will regret.

I look at those who surround me,
A few familiar faces appear,
I smile although I’m nervous,
I can now speak without fear.

They are my friends and family,
They believe in what I write,
It’s time, I have to convince a panel,
To believe in the words that I write.

The mic seems so far from me,
As I slowly step up there to proudly say,
The answers to what I am asked,
From the judges along the way.

I feel lost in the unknown surroundings,
They are all here for the same thing as I,
Butterflies floating in my stomach,
A tremble of tears I can’t cry.

I blot out the people who are there,
I focuse on the words that I write,
I’m finished, they thank me, it’s over,
I’m proud I’ve done this tonight.