A poem.

In primary school there came to be
a talent show that was meant for me

I thought to myself, "what should I perform?"
something, surely, not of the norm

should I learn to juggle or skip a jump rope
until I found karate was my only hope

I would kick and punch and they would cheer
and into the hearts of the bullies I could even strike fear

the night before as I prepared my act
I thought of my dream girl, Chloe, who as a matter of fact

was performing as well, some girlie ballet dance
using a backing track of 'Backstreets Back', which would surely put the school in a faggy trance

as I stood behind the curtain waiting for my turn
I could feel the excitement as my stomach would churn

I was now walking to them, my people were waiting
this was the moment I was anticipating

I started the 'kata' now a few punches through
as I heard the beginnings of what sounded like boos

THIS COULDN'T BE, karate is so cool
but here in this moment, I looked like a tool

as I stood now crying over a chorus of laughs
I threw every punch, looking like an ass

my eyes became misty, I could barely commit
with each kick my coolness took another hit

nothing could come close to how shitty I felt
and you know what!?, I was even wearing an orange belt

not black like the night, or lucifer's lair
but faggy old orange, serious, I swear

I just couldn't do it, the pain was too much
so I ran off stage crying like a little bitch and such

I could hear them still hollering even from backstage
when Chloe appeared with an idea to gage

she told me not to worry, it would all be alright
"they think they've beaten us, but they're in for a fight!"

"you must go back out there at the end of the show
they'll see you have the courage to defeat any foe

finish your performance even if it feels wrong
they'll HAVE to like you, you can even use my song!"

I could tell something was wrong as soon as she said it
but my love was so strong that I had to forget it

so I waited until the last act was done
and the teacher announced there would be one last one

he told them to be nice, and that it's mean to jeer
and I stood centre stage wondering how I got here

the other children didn't know what was about to occur
for it was not just a repeat, but something absurd

I waited and waited and when Chloe hit PLAY
a new level of faggytoolness was now underway

I lunged and attacked at the open air
while 'Backstreets Back' confirmed my despair

but I finished my act with no mistakes
and the music stopped as well as the ache

they were all now giggling and were told to keep quiet
but just then I realized, THEY wouldn't try it

from that point on I've understood
that a loss of shame is pretty good

and to laugh at yourself whenever you can
will always help you to understand

that nobody else controls how you feel
for only you can see what's real

humiliation only exists in your mind
so laugh with the audience and you'll never be blind

- Lee