Swizzle Stick

in the spotlight

can you stand up
to a hostile crowd
can you come back
with a comeback
on the spot or
are you put
on the spot
in the spotlight

assess the mood
of the room, be ready
to alter or improvise
if lines do not land
if you fall flat

you wonder
what’s worse
a silent crowd
not responding
or a chatty one
not listening

hecklers however
have their place
inspiring punchlines
knock them out
hit them where it hurts

do they get it
are they laughing
for the right reasons

do they get you
as you gesticulate
& modulate

or are they waiting
for the bell?

it’s a tough gig,
teaching