The body releases
many of the same chemicals

whether you are about to fall in love
or be chased by a bear.

Adrenaline, dopamine, endorphins,
all released for fear and excitement.

The heart accelerates.
The stomach tightens.

The senses sharpen.
The message arrives

before the translation.

Hours before game time
I picture the softball field.

My pulse increases.
My heart becomes aware

of itself.

I’ve learned to consult
the categories.

Danger.

Excitement.

The same filing cabinet.
The same drawer.

A roller coaster and a cliff edge
can produce similar readings.

Cognitive reappraisal.

Telling the brain a new story.

I wonder how many good things
have been mistaken

for threats.

How many times
the body prepared for survival

when what was actually happening

was joy.

The first pitch is thrown.

The butterflies remain

and I welcome them.