A Performance

Gathering storm.
Clouds form in the mind while the stomach churns.
Anxiety, anticipation.
Fret over frets.
Worry over words.
Which one will fail first?
Confidence crumbling,
Staunchness stumbling,
Temper tumbling.
The multitude materializes.
All waiting, watching,
Witnessing my panic.
One before and out I go,
Flanked and frightened.
What am I doing?
I remember.
Voice breaks free like a slave from his shackles,
Losing its chill and embracing the warmth
Of passion and song.
The butterflies escape,
A beautiful relief.
So it begins.
Consternation turns to comfort
As I croon to the crowd.
I strike gold and awe as I combine
Two of the best things I can.
Shouts, whistles, applause.
Striking oil in what felt like a desert not long before.
The room is an oasis,
My thirst for making music assuaged
By the assuring onlooking faces.
Receive nothing but praise,
Hear my prowess proclaimed.
Forget the flubs,
Cast away the concern.
This is what I wanted.

Now, what was I so afraid of?