I am afraid my presence is a charade
How long can I keep up this masquerade
Of knowing everything when I feel I stand
Not on terra firma but on shifting sand
How can I hold my own among the wizards
How can I even expect to be heard
Offering my opinion in a timid voice
That is likely to be lost in the noise
Of powerful opinions backed by experience,
Proffered with abundant confidence
I am a nervous wreck, I want to run away
I cannot wait for the end of this stressful day
*
I’ve been quiet, but surprisingly I find
A question raised for these brilliant minds
Remains unanswered, this seems to be
For me to say something, a perfect opportunity
I start speaking with some hesitation indeed
To remain coherent, all my courage I need
People are listening, perhaps out of surprise
But I perceive appreciation in a few pairs of eyes
As I go on, more confidence I summon
I am calm by the time my speech is done
Suddenly everyone is talking again, arguing probably
All attention has been diverted from me
*
Let it be a charade, let me masquerade
I am proud today of the progress I have made
I am less intimidated now than I have spoken
The self-imposed shell of inadequacy has been broken
Passion...unbridled 