Frozen

         I stuttered and sputtered, words would not come.

         A knot cinched my tongue and rendered me dumb.

         In a jumble, my thoughts skittered and spun.

         The pulse in my forehead throbbed like a drum.

         My ears muffled sound to a low-pitched hum.

         Quick regret teetered on what have I done?

         Limbs ignored me, they refused to obey.

         With a slight tremble, they forced me to sway.

         Dread seeped through my bones, cold, clammy, heavy.

         What had I expected this special day?

         Did I misstep with my public display?

         Wishes, dreams, love, a surprise bevy?

         My throat constricts, I scarce dare to breathe.

         Doubt, panic, what ifs all simmer and seethe.

         Sharing my feelings has not been a breeze.

         Valentine's Day lays bare emotion's sheath.

         Returned affection a hopeful bequeath.

         I'm frozen 'til he sees me, likes me, please. ( 18 lines )