People use the expression "A deer in headlights" in order to describe moments in which they are shocked or stupefied, unable to act. I've heard other smaller animals used in place of the deer.
This expression is wrong.
They are not dumbfounded. They know exactly what it is that is approaching. They know it is fast and sudden and coming straight for them. They stand, they try not to give their ground. Perhaps they figure, this is not the usual predator. I should not fear it as I would a wolf or tiger. I can easily avoid this.
So they stand. They try desperately to hold their ground. To face a fear they have a chance with.
The whole time their little hearts are pounding, going miles a minute, winding up. Winding up their bodies until they can't take it any longer. If they don't move they might explode. So suddenly at the last moment they dart away, back into the woods, and though you may swerve a little, perhaps break a little, they are gone so fast you are not fully certain if they were even there.
This is how I feel when I read my work out loud.
Every muscle fights against my heart to stay still, to talk clearly and slowly.
When I am finished I disappear from the stage, the spot light.
When I was a little girl I actually ran. Now I get teased for "running" but my quick pace out of sight is nothing more than a slow escape. I wish I could I run.
This expression is wrong.
They are not dumbfounded. They know exactly what it is that is approaching. They know it is fast and sudden and coming straight for them. They stand, they try not to give their ground. Perhaps they figure, this is not the usual predator. I should not fear it as I would a wolf or tiger. I can easily avoid this.
So they stand. They try desperately to hold their ground. To face a fear they have a chance with.
The whole time their little hearts are pounding, going miles a minute, winding up. Winding up their bodies until they can't take it any longer. If they don't move they might explode. So suddenly at the last moment they dart away, back into the woods, and though you may swerve a little, perhaps break a little, they are gone so fast you are not fully certain if they were even there.
This is how I feel when I read my work out loud.
Every muscle fights against my heart to stay still, to talk clearly and slowly.
When I am finished I disappear from the stage, the spot light.
When I was a little girl I actually ran. Now I get teased for "running" but my quick pace out of sight is nothing more than a slow escape. I wish I could I run.
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