Just Fire

Tristin J. Hanson

Billings Senior High School, Grade 11

For all my life
I’ve been told
you only have
one shot.
There are no second chances—
that scares me.
What if I miss?
What if I shoot
with my eyes closed?
How am I supposed to hit
such a small target
when I have such little practice?
I am nowhere near brave 
enough to fire
if I can barely even
raise my head.

My vision is blurry
with tears slowly welling.
I have to close my eyes
before the floodgates give way.
Fear traps my heart
in a cage of despondency
tied with chains of angst
and a lock of vexation.
All of them forged
solely by my mind
in the prison of my body
with me as the warden
and no escape in sight.

How will I ever get out?
If I don’t try
I'll always remain here
with not a sliver of hope left.
A never-ending cycle of worry
constantly folding in on itself
spiraling into a personal oblivion.

But as I open my eyes
it's all gone.
There is nothing to stop me
from just trying.
I am free.
So I’ll raise my head
focus my vision
steel my nerves
and take a deep breath.

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