In my mind I see a million faces,

A million eyes in a thousand places,

So much laughter and so much noise,

Flashing lights that provide them joy,

A trillion smiles and perfect moves,

Focus on that, just play by the rules,

They look so happy, they look so pleased,

But I hardly notice—I just see me,

One person amidst a trillion people,

Trying so desperately not to freeze,

One voice rung out over the rest,

You’re in control, so give it your best,

It must be perfect so I don’t feel sorry,

But perfect happens and the aftermath arrives,

Charging fast and claiming my mind,

In my mind I see a million faces,

So many eyes that my heart races,

My pulse beats so hard I feel it everywhere,

Behind my brows and in my ears, it’s a deadly snare.