hesitating
before knocking on a door
because you need a moment
to muster up the courage
leaving the supermarket
because you couldn't find what you wanted
and asking someone is not an option
feeling your heart palpitate
when dialing a number
because your mom made you phone yourself
rehearsing your response in your head
before raising your hand in class
to make sure you don't screw it up
staying silent when sitting with a group at lunch
because you never know
anything you say can be
ridiculed
(SF.)
