SHAME

She walks in the shadow of hope and pride,
Her dreams as clear as a cloudless blue sky,
But her fear as strong as a cat fears a dog
Fearful of failure and hurt and dismay,
In a room full of people close yet so strange,
Striving to attain success and glory,
But her fear has become reality,
The fear of failure overpowers the hope and pride,
Incapable of picking herself up,
She now walks in the shadow of her shame.

Written by Richard Hale