I Think I Can, I Think I Can

I have to sing in front of people tomorrow.

It's nothing new to me--I've sung in public a lot of times, alone and with my sisters, accompanied by a band or just my guitar. Sometimes the function has been sacred, sometimes it has been secular. I've sung as background music in cafes and in front of packed church services.

I get nervous every time.

Regarding tomorrow, for instance, I'm worried that my eyebrows will crease when I'm supposed to look happy, that I'll be stiff and awkward instead of pulling off that Depression-era piece with all the lilt and life it deserves, and that I'll get out of sync with my voice teacher's piano accompaniment. I'm also worried that I won't be able to get enough volume to be heard on the lower notes of the song with the guitar. That last might be especially difficult, as I wrote that song for Lou and I've been known to start crying when singing it, even in practice. It might just be my favorite song I've ever written. It's tough to say.

But in all likelihood things will go fine. It might not be great, but it should be fine. I've practiced (wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles); all I can do now is my best.