Written after giving a talk as a guest speaker.

Most audiences help you on your way

Even if it's just a casual snort

Or nod to show they are awake and thought

What you've just said was worth what they had paid.

But tonight in Lewes, for the first time

I had a group who all seemed to have died

The moment I began and when I tried

To cheer them up with anecdote or rhyme

The words just disappeared into a stare

Of lethal silence, turning any whim

Or gentle joy anticipated in

The verse, to stone and my despair.

          Maybe I was off form today

          Or could it be because  - they didn't pay?

Brian Hick 3.2.10

©copyright Sally Hick 4.2.22