Struck Dumb

As a young child I had no fear With Mommy and Daddy hovering near. If ever a danger should draw nigh, Four older brothers were standing by. A happy child, I breezed through school; I easily learned by rote and rule Until in high school to arrive, Eight years of learning reduced to five. No other student as young as I, Adrift from every familiar tie I walked those halls a child alone, Without the friendliness I'd known. I puilled into protective shell And though I learned my lessons well I feared the limelight I must claim When ever a teacher called my name. At eleven years with the rest fourteen And though in all truth they weren't mean, All paired with boys and obsessed with hair, They simply overlooked me there. If asked to recite or forced to speak My throat would close, my knees went weak. I was so afraid I would be sick Words wouldn't come, my tongue was thick. And so it went for four long years, I hid my fears and unshed tears, Until my English teacher informed me Salutatorian speaker I would be. Tall enough now the mike to reach I had no way to avoid that speech. My advisor said to imagine there Was a loved one sitting upon each chair. My beaming folks, proud sis and brothers I spoke to them, not to the others. I settled into a comfort niche And gave my speech without a hitch. From that time on I have not known That feeling of being all alone. I've read my poems in public places Without one fear of the sea of faces. For "Edge" contest sponsored by John Heck took hm