People sat around me

Staring me down

With their judgmental smiles

Even the feathered beast

That weighed down on my shoulder

Whispered horrible things

With its raspy voice

The people got closer and closer

They inspected my imperfections

And told me what needed corrections

The beast gripped my shoulder harder

Making me bleed

They got even closer

Making the space decrease

Smiles widened and chuckles spread

Until finally

Laughter echoed about the room