In, out, in, out,

breath caught like a bird,

stage fright knots my stomach,

a spotlight blazing—

skin tingling, heart racing.

The curtain whispers secrets,

each heartbeat, a drumroll,

among faces, blurred, waiting,

my moment to shine.

Lights, camera, action—

I step into the glow,

feeling every eye

pierce through my mask,

and for a flicker,

I am not just me,

but a thousand dreams.