Poetry

The Introvert and The Party

Too much noise — inside the mind and outside

I was alone in a corner, gazing at the crowd and looking odd

In an extrovert world, I felt different and alone — like a fraud

trying to fit in somehow — to laugh and tell funny stories from abroad.

And then I saw you — almost hidden away from the crowd

Maybe like me, you felt that the celebration was much too loud

I will overcome my mind and come speak to you, I vowed.

I spent the next ten minutes talking inspiringly to me

Convincing myself of all that you and I could be

I just needed to get beyond my hesitation and be free.

I swallowed, took a breath, and towards you began to tread

Each step forward filling me with both thrill and dread.

A few steps in, I felt cold and my mind froze

The demons in the head, once again, arose.

Half-way to you, my legs slowed and stopped on their own

My fear won and my grand plan with you was blown.

I tried to, from a distance, give you my most genuine smile

Hoping you knew, that the twenty steps between us felt like a mile.

Maybe another time, another place, I will reach you and speak

Once I finally find the courage that I desperately seek.