Stone Soup

Where young artists paint the world with words

The international magazine of stories, poems, and art by young writers and artists. Published continuously since 1973.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay updated with our latest stories, poems, and news delivered to your inbox.

Stage Fright

I am bold but I still have fear
Small as a bug on a leaf
Step by step to center stage

Spiders up my spine
Shoulders back
Lump in my throat
Swallow hard
Cloud in my head
Think straight

Words in a cocoon
Make their way out
Start to fly
In the bright lights
I find my voice

Stage Fright Jane Trina
Jane Trina, 10
Whitefish, Montana