Pride, crucified

Thank you for the applause,
I love you all.
And yes,
wasn't that a perfect leap?
Look! I landed on my feet --
surely that is worth a higher score.
Excuse me,
could you shift that spot a bit?
It seems to be missing my face.

What's that you say?

What do you mean I haven't gone yet?
This isn't the winners' platform?


This is the diving board,
the edge of the mat,
the starting gate?
The whistle hasn't even blown yet?
I've not yet vaulted the horse,
mounted the parallel bars;
I've not even begun to run your race?

OMG. This is so embarrassing...
What will I do with my arms?
I feel so exposed...




* * *