Stage-Fright

The silence was broken right after his name,

A thunderous roar began to reign.

He straightened his tie, and he cleared his throat

And stepped out to wait for the noise to wane.

His face was calm and steady yet

His heart was beating a hum.

The sea of people did stretch so far!

It seemed the world for him had come!

When all was quiet, he smiled to all

His hands were beginning their share,

But halted midway unto their spot,

His mind was now an empty chair!

He scrambled to think of "from-before"

But nary a word could he recall

He stared around to search for clues,

But stared around into the hall.

Fifteen minutes did thus go by

As he attempted to recite.

Alas the microphone had won,

The many ills from stage-fright!

He then bowed, and walked off stage

And as soon as he had left,

His memory did kick back in, 

That which by he was bereft.

He paused a moment to consider

Then shook his head as No,

He could return, to speak again,

But was not sure his mind would go.