A Poem about Fear

For one step the world stops,
time is lost to any clock.
For one step the only sound
her pounding heart beating down.
For one step adrenaline rushes,
around her veins her blood gushes.
For one step there’s unseen rampage
as lungs press hard against her ribcage.
For one step her grip is locked,
muscles rigid, hard in shock.
For just one step all courage mustered,
remaining calm, not getting flustered.
For one step she does not hear
the cheers of friends standing near
that sends her off along the wire
as camera lenses flash and fire.
Just one step to conquer things we dread
that only live inside our head.

© Sheila Ash 2^nd July 2016