Whenever I feel afraid, I hold my head erect. And whistle a happy tune, so no one will suspect, I'm afraid.

-The King and I

***

Whenever I feel afraid
I seek out my faithful companion
Since I was three
The little stuffed rabbit
Has traveled far and wide
No ticket, no passport required
Just its presence
Is enough to comfort me.

***

When I'm self-conscious
It happens now and then
The homeroom teacher wants me
To stand up in front of the whole class
I start chewing
Even when I have no chewing gum in my mouth.

***

I drew a fairly large crowd
I was their senior
I was quietly revered in awe
Or maybe I just made that up
Anyway,
I had something profound to say
Or give good advice
For want of becoming a role model
Been there and done that
So, it seems
That I have the legitimacy
To solicit advice
It's not a matter of age
But a matter of experience.