Faltering

Words I only dare mumble.

Something so simple should
Be said with eloquent ease,
But of course I freeze,
Worrying that you would
Chuckle at my tone of voice
Or my witless words of choice.

You were gracious to sit there
While I tensely waited, shy,
Hoping to speak instead of sigh,
Yet emptiness filled the air.
I was too afraid I'd stumble
Over words I only dare mumble.

Your head tilted patiently to the side
While I struggled to summon some nerve,
As if you were able to subtly observe
The fear I tried but could not hide.
I worried in advance over your reaction
Until even silence became a distraction.

Yet, the tolerance you maintained throughout
Left me with a confidence unimpeded,
Imparting to me the strength I needed
To overcome my fears and finally speak out,
Even if with a slightly faltering ease,
Strong in the voice and weak in the knees.