The Joy

The pull of a current.

The moment when you are suspended in the air on the swing.

The adrenaline pumping to the thump, thump, thump --------Tears brim in my eyes as if I drank tea too fast.

The pain of chemicals racing,

Dizzying bright stage lights fill my vision.

The curtain is now open.

Sweat forms on my brow. Everything is too hot.

Drip, drip, drip.

Will I trip -----Will my voice give out.

Take a breathe. In. Out.

The windows to my soul open.

Hundreds of curious eyes scattered in the sea of black, staring back.

Breaths caught,

A grin tugs at my mouth like a child begging it's mother to go.

The words spill like honey from my lips.

My voice the only sound.

My muscle memory takes over as I perform for the first and last time.

A grandfather telling his grandchildren is tales of adventure.

I say my last words and kiss the play goodbye. Farwell and goodnight.

The applause erupts from the shining sea of bobbing faces not so dreary anymore.

I take a bow.

Only smiles and laughter greet me.

My smile so bright,

I could have lit up the whole country.