On with the Show

Drop down the curtain, but leave me on the stage.
Whilst I'm not certain, I'll read on from the page.
The lights are blinding and I can't see the crowd.
Imperfect timing but I'll get through somehow.
This isn't easy, but then what ever is?
I cannot be me, 'til I stop being his.

The crowd is roaring, though I have yet to speak.
My heartbeat soaring, my constitution weak.
It's time for action, or else I'm down and done.
But my reaction is slow, fatigued and numb.
What can release it and free me of the past.
I, once beneath it, must rise above at last.

But I won't give in, and I have far to go.
So raise the curtain, and let's on with the show.

Copyright © 2013 by Simon Austin