Who knows how I'd gotten the courage,
or where it came from?
But somehow, I found myself on the stage
Mic in hand
Palms sweating
My toes tapping nervously on the wooden floor.
I didn't have anything prepared.
Just half-formed shower thoughts,
and the hope that I'd be good enough.
This was the start of a potential career,
or the end of one.
A career I'd dreamed of,
taken classes for,
watched videos and taken extensive notes for.
A career that occupied my thoughts with the constant
"Could I do that?"
I did my bit, mostly with my eyes focused above the heads of the crowd,
and I cataloged the responses.
Out of 6 jokes,
I got two half-hearted chuckles,
and one almost complete laugh.
I bombed.
As I walked back to my car,
your hand tapped my shoulder just once.
Firm, but hesitant.
"I liked your bit. You've got some potential."
"I took some notes, if you want them."
I'd seen your stuff on youtube,
recognized you immediately,
fought back the star-struck numbness of my mind
and said "Thanks, I'd love them."
Before you turned away, you gave me one last comment.
"Maybe I'll be opening for you in a few years."

Trembling
The sound of the night shakes my very soul
What has this all come to?
An empty bed
An empty room
An empty heart
I am not alone.

I could twiddle my thumbs as the world is stained a sepia hue; look at the room's corners until they replace my psyche

I could sit with endlessly repeating notes playing through my head

And words that never leave, either

I... when keys and pages are old and lifeless

Sit

And listen

Only the wind can be heard howling between the spires above

There is no sun

Only moonlight coldly illuminating the stone around me

I am the master

The occupant

The Keeper

this night is over
i'm all tired out
remember when I say
everything's okay,
d*on't let them bring you down
because tomorrow is another day
and things will turn around.