Embarrassment

Embarrassment floods my face
and tears sting my eyes
as I mutter my half-hearted defenses,
wishing for another escape.

With a bit lip and bleeding tongue,
I hang my head and drop my shoulders,
regret itching every thought,
mind whirling with my mantra:

think and never speak;
one lapse and I’m on my knees,
broken and humbled by those words
I hate to hear.

“I am disappointed.”
Every bone in my body turns to gelatin
and words jumble in my mouth
bounce on my tongue, refusing to form.

Laughter cannot conceal the doubt,
the loss of pride. It huddles there
in those knowing irises reflecting my
flustered face, a blushing twinkle bound to fade.