.

Waiting, silent, in the wings

Frustrated hand through tousled hair

Furrowed brow as memory rings

Outside, all eyes are waiting there

'In essence it looked good on tape'

Comedian steps out through the drape

First voice cracks and shakes with fear

Audience shout their heckling calls

Starts again, this time it’s clear

Laughter echoes from the stalls

From on the stage his keen eyes scan

Did they forget he is just a man?

Begins to tell a story, quick

Stalls the flow of taunting jeers

Stomach knotted, feeling sick

He hauls on counsel from his peers

Draw them in and take control

Don’t let stage-fright take its toll

He alone must tease the crowd

Cajole their critical embrace

Making sure they laugh out loud

Then quickening to flamboyant pace

He’s on a roll now, must not pause

He deals his line and gets applause

Takes the breath he’s held ‘til now

Performs with all his practised wit

Spectators fall in with the show

Responding to its composite

He’s pulled it off there’s just one more

They stand as one and shout, ‘Encore!’

Stepping back he takes his bow

Sardinic in his last riposte

Salutes the crowd from sweating brow

He alone knows what this cost

Exit left in jaunty mime

Curtain falls... until next time.