NaPoWriMo Day 18: Jitters

Deep breathes,
Your lungs expand
And take in the still air.
You are calm.
(I'm terrified)

Slow exhale,
Slower, slower,
Let your body relax.
You are prepared.
(I'm not ready)

Imagine success,
Visualize your goal
And achieve it.
You are the best you can be.
(I'm not even good)

You’ll be okay.
This is only a trial run,
The draft before the final.
One mistake won't matter.
(It will matter)

Take another breath,
And begin.

Your fingers slip,
But you keep going.
(It was one mistake.)

You started too soon,
But you keep going.
(Then another…)

You got off-beat for just a moment
But you keep going.
(And another…)

It's over before you know it.
People applaud you,
Praise you for your performance
(They're lying)

You dust yourself off,
Make note of your wrongs,
And smile.
(As if smiling would help)

What's done is done.
(Give me another chance.)

You did your best.
(I’m better than this, I promise)

And that's all you can ask for.
(How did it go so wrong?)