Behind a curtain I hide,

Keeping everything inside.

I want to be truly seen,

But it's too hard to decide.

 

Do I trust the audience?

Will they like what they see?

I might just do it,

But I don't have the confidence I need.

 

The crowd might judge,

If I don't please them.

Their words will hurt,

I may be condemned.

 

I know that I must try.

Because the curtains must open,

Before the crowd can determine,

Whether I am worth their time.

 

I need the laughter.

I need the spotlight.

I need the applause.

I need them to roar with delight.

 

I need it to open,

the curtain behind which I hide.

No matter what the crowd thinks,

At least I will have tried.