The look she gave me as I entered

Just her, the one on the far right,

Made me feel small despite my height.

I breathed in deep, trying to get centred.

Next, I received a limp, wet handshake

Not the strong start I was hoping for.

My feet and eyes crept toward the door

I found myself praying for an earthquake.

For the ground to swallow me whole,

Before things went south with the third.

My stomach dropped, my spirit stirred

But then a smile. I felt in control.

The fourth was mine for the taking.

I boldly went in for a bear hug.

Ended up in the hole I had dug

Yet somehow, that move was my making.

Confidence now oozed from every side,

Had them eating from the palm of my hand.

Flipped the script, turned hell into dreamland,

Thank God I managed to withstand the tide.