Courage In Her
I am trying not to sob, under the pressure of the moment.
Eight years old, the end of the year in my new school,
We make a celebration; I will give a little speech,
"What it means to be an American."
I walk out on the stage, I am shy,
I am already shaking.
Alone under the lights, in my new country,
Being judged by so many people, older and larger than I,
I start to talk then I look down, away from them,
They are sure that I won't make it,
I am fighting myself,
My body trying to breath as it tries to freeze,
And I do cry, I can't stop it, but I am breathing.
I can't feel my feet, down where my tears are falling,
I look up through my tears, faces are on me,
Maybe some are crying, some are smiling.
My English is not perfect but I feel the words,
I get them out, sometimes sob, one word,
Then sob again, I clench my jaw and grind my teeth,
I gut through it, I get through it,
Not some silly thing like they might expect,
But the real hopes and joys of a little girl in a new land.
I am dizzy but I can walk off the stage,
Buzzing of clapping, happy people, even yelling,
I feel light.
A man comes to compliment me but stops short
As my mom hugs me, he cannot intrude -
All the love of parents for children,
All the imaginings of mothers and daughters,
Focused on my courage.
December 16, 2016
For John Hamilton's 'What courage means to you - Poetry Contest'
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
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
