I remember when I was very young, these seemed not much fun,
But now that I am much older, I hold back that urge to run.
So why, when I stand before you, while trying to read this aloud,
Does all that fear return to me, and consume me like a cloud.

I squirm and twitch, even though I know, that you will do no harm.
I nervously look back and forth, sweat running down my arm.
You are friendly and kind and eager to hear,
This poem of mine, about stage fear.

So what must I do to prepare myself, when asked to read aloud.
Well, I guess I can think, of those wonderful days, that I had as a child.
When I stood before the class, after having my tutor day,
And proudly read those words, that I never before could say.

It is not so bad, now that I know, that I have done this and more.
And I can say the hard words, without stumbling like before.
Words make beautiful pictures, fly through my mind,
And take me to places, I left long behind.

So who’s afraid to read aloud. "Not me", I say with pride,
For somewhere, my tutor, put great confidence deep inside.
Thank you tutor, where ever you are. You made my life with words
A pleasure, now that they tumble out, and fly away like birds.