Courage

Blood rushing

to my brain and cheeks.

How am I

supposed to keep my cool.

Hands going

cold and shaking slightly.

I shove them

into my jacket pockets.

Sort of smile

on my worried face.

Hoping that

they won't see the red.

Thinking through

the words I'd been rehearsing.

When the time

comes I can't recall a thing.

They smile at

their friend's new joke.

My heart starts

to flutter.

Greeting them

becomes my newest battle.

And soon, soon

the chance goes away.

I waited

much too long to go and say hello.

Next time I

will have the courage I'm sure.