| The Poetry Reading * * I've never done this I stand backstage My nerves violently Bouncing around * I beg and plead with Michel, "Please, I really don't want to do this. Shelly's is long enough, And Trey, Trey has a longer one He could share. Please! They will more than Make up for my time." * He looks at me And simply says, "No." * I hear my name "Oh my God." My name is called again * My head peeks from around the curtain I cant see anyone! This is great! * I walk out on stage The orange burn Of a just lit cigarette Stares at me * I see his face His nameless face in the midst of darkness I freeze * An urgent whisper from backstage Snaps me out of it. I stand at the microphone "H-H-H-Hi," I stammer "Lovely evening this is." * I close my eyes "The Poetry Reading." I force the title from my lips I begin slowly "I've never done this before" As I read the lines The fear quietly subsides * * *end* |