Weekend at Baltimore

         Weekend at Baltimore

We're off to a convention, then! How easy to agree
When thinking not of real life eyes scrutinizing me.
Although my heart despondently dropped onto the floor,
I'd paid my fees and now was due to meet in Baltimore
All sorts of online strangers milling in a neutral place
To chat and flirt in person instead of via interface.

Would someone from the Stories group hate my goofy sandals
Or would they rate me kindly as they do behind their handles?
My heart was skipping thumps and my spirit started to sag
And if my breathing got any faster I'd need a paper bag.
With thoughts of laughing faces I stared at my own doom,
But in order to get breakfast I had to enter the full room.

I gasped as everybody stared! I followed then their eyes
Darting to my badge to seek a name they recognize.
I held my breath reciting every prayer from the Bible
As authors near announced to all who was the new arrival.

But only moments later I was surrounded by the throng
Of fans I didn't recognize who had supported me all along
Though silently from far away and writing as a hobby,
And soon we hugged as long-lost buddies in the hotel lobby.

My heart was beating normally and breathing ordinary
And bandaids peeled revealed my wounds to be imaginary.
I took my heart to Baltimore and put it to the test
And healed by this community, I took it home to rest.