There is no lint.
I smell of soap.
I have drained myself of all excessive fluids
and thoughts
And…
I am not yet ready for tonight.

I must learn a new language
and floss my toes
and buy those new shoulder garters
to keep my shirtsleeves in place.
There are a thousand scenarios
I need to reenact in advance
to ensure my abilities this evening.
I am still not ready
I am unprepared.

Eventually
my time will run out
and there will be no more planning or rehearsing
and I will have to go
out
and see where this evening takes us.