The Inner Quake

My mind, a calm, cool lake.

The meeting drone, a steady beat.

But underneath the table, my leg would shake.

A nervous, rhythmic, tiny feat.

Against the wood, a quiet tap,

a pulse that wasn't mine to claim.

A small rebellion, a quick snap

of nerves, refusing to be tame.

I pressed my foot, I clenched my thigh,

tried to demand it simply cease.

But there it was, an urgent sigh,

a small vibration, no release.

It wasn't fear, or conscious dread.

Just the body, having its own say.

A restless tremor, unled.

Shaking a secret part of me away.