"Nervous Breakdown Ahead!"

January 11th is when I present,
My oral presentation, the special event!
The topic is China, my home country.
Also home to the world's third longest river, the Yangtze.

As the months, weeks, and days start to boil down,
My smile slowly transforms into a nervous frown.
The day is steadily approaching at a fast pace,
And soon it will be here in a day's race.

There are so many thoughts whirling around in my head
While my stomach begins to fill with dread.
Presenting is one of my biggest fears,
Especially when it's in front of my fellow peers.

I'm always scared I'm going to forget
An important part and break into a nervous sweat.
The night before my presentation I review everything on the slides,
And choose key words and phrases that can act as my guides.

The big day finally arrives and it's now time
To put on my big girl pants and start the climb.
I need to try to build up my self-esteem,
In order to fulfill one of my biggest dreams.

During my presentation I try to appear calm and collected,
Meanwhile, my insides feel as if they're not connected.
Finally, I come upon the last slide
And I speak it proudly like someone walking with a confident stride.

In the beginning of my presentation I felt like a nervous wreck,
But towards the end I found my nerves have dissolved into a tiny speck.
I came to the conclusion that if I talk about an enjoyable subject
I will gain from my peers more respect.

I am now more confident when I have to present,
Especially when it is as important and big like this past event.