Home » Poems » Carol B. » Choked

Poet Free verse

Choked

Gone are the days of her anthem 
Raw notes of emotion exposed
Feeling flat and the audience sharp
Missing one octave after another
Drenched in fear of rejection
Vulnerability stifled in perfection
Strangled at the mere peep of her unique voice
Spotlights amplify the performance
Lights, action, cut
Silence protects the broken

Copyright © Carol B. | Year Posted 2017

anxietychangefeelingsfree verse

♡Like0

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Andrea Dietrich

September 4, 2017 at 6:29 PM

I really like the way you did this one and how nice to find this unique free verse I somehow missed. I just love how you SHOWED her fear of rejection through this poem.

September 9, 2017 at 2:22 PM

Thanks so much Andrea. :)

September 5, 2017 at 3:30 PM

Thanks :)

May 11, 2017 at 11:52 PM

Very nice use of words Carol. Blessed be

July 24, 2017 at 7:03 PM

Thanks :)

May 9, 2017 at 7:45 AM

Not to have choked is not to have performed and there are many mindless clappers and far too few actors. Good poem Carol

May 9, 2017 at 11:31 AM

Thanks :)

May 6, 2017 at 10:22 PM

wow, this holds so many feelings, powerful write carol

May 7, 2017 at 12:20 PM

Thank you! :) This means a lot coming from you. I really admire your talent.

Richard Lamoureux

March 24, 2017 at 9:00 AM

This makes me think of Florence Henderson. She had no talent and sang without abandon. In the process it became some kind of beautiful. I enjoyed your poem.

March 24, 2017 at 12:30 PM

Thanks Richard :)

March 22, 2017 at 1:11 PM

Well-done very true nerves are terrible x Good poem x

March 22, 2017 at 6:47 PM

Thanks so much Wendy :)

Eileen Manassian

March 20, 2017 at 5:59 PM

Oh...I know this feeling, dear. I LOVE to sing! Every time before I get up to sing a solo in church, my throat constricts. You have penned this so well. Thank you for your kind comment on my poem about my mother. Much appreciated, dear.

March 20, 2017 at 7:12 PM

Thanks for the wonderful comment and you certainly understand Eileen . :)

March 17, 2017 at 10:46 PM

This gives me pause. To me, it isn't literally about stage fright because I CAN'T sing yet I've experienced this feeling in life; one of those horrible moments or episodes that go terribly wrong in front of others so I not only break, so does my projected sense of self. Did I go too deep? Because I think it beautifully represents that choke/broke feel and I'm impressed! To me, this is clever and deep! Hugs ... CayCay (you must tell me, is it actually just about stage fright?)

March 18, 2017 at 2:21 PM

CayCay I love your comment. I struggle with my voice at times. I always know when I am anxious by the tightening of my vocal chords. A specialist told me in the past it's like my vocal chords are strangled. It can actually get to where I can't make a sound. Thankfully it hasn't gotten that bad in years. I use to love to sing but my voice has changed somewhat :)

March 16, 2017 at 2:38 PM

This is very expressive, Carol. Stage fright is not uncommon, and what you describe in this poem is one of the main reasons contributing to it. I've witnessed singers, freezing, starting on the wrong note, and choking, too!! #7 Regards // paul

March 17, 2017 at 6:23 PM

Thanks Paul :)

Connie Marcum Wong

March 16, 2017 at 4:40 AM

A terrible fear most performers face each time they perform. I can only imagine the after effects of freezing on stage. I think I would never attempt it again. You portray this fear with poignant realism Carol. Excellent! ; ) 7

March 16, 2017 at 10:37 AM

Thanks so much Connie :)

Kai Michael Neumann

March 16, 2017 at 1:28 AM

That is very daunting. Choking in silence, protecting and more so drenched in fear of rejection. This is expressed very well. Take good care and keep writing, it breaks the silence, Kai

March 16, 2017 at 10:39 AM

Kai, Thanks for your wonderful comment :)

Andrea Dietrich

March 15, 2017 at 7:19 PM

That would be a most terrible feeling, Carol. VERY WEll described!

March 15, 2017 at 7:50 PM

Thanks Andrea :)

Demetrios Trifiatis

March 15, 2017 at 2:27 PM

The nightmare of any performer so vividly portrayed dear, Carol! A 7!

March 15, 2017 at 6:00 PM

Thanks for the wonderful comment :)

Anne-Lise Andresen

March 15, 2017 at 8:03 AM

- Very touching, Carol - Great written - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

March 15, 2017 at 9:24 AM

Thank you Sunshine :)

March 14, 2017 at 6:54 PM

Perfect description of a singer's stage fright. I can relate. You must, too.

March 14, 2017 at 7:03 PM

Sure do :). Thanks for the comment!

March 14, 2017 at 4:43 PM

A sad poem about a great singer that questions her voice. Many outside influences can affect the vocal chords. The good news is it could be something simple and easily fixed. I love this write it expresses the pain of loss in a concise empathic form. Excellent!

March 14, 2017 at 7:05 PM

Thank you! You nailed it :)

March 14, 2017 at 4:19 PM

Excellent poem Carol...I feel empathy for her and her fear of failure.

March 14, 2017 at 7:07 PM

Thanks Tim :)

Get a Premium Membership

Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.

Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace