Lou J. Klaiber

OPEN MIC NIGHTS

Quiet tables,

… chairs full of conversation,
and couples wondering who will stand and read.

The microphone is placed and I remain outside
smoking a cigarette as they file in,
and then,
… the moderator tells me.

“Please, Cal!”

“No war poems tonight.”

When introduced,
I carry a smile beneath the light,
and read of natural events.

the wonder of youth,
and love,

… and the poverty of the heart.

It is a warm evening and then
the words end,
… and people go back to their lives in the night.

…………………………………………………………

I look at the poem I didn’t read.

Maybe next time
I shall deliver it
in the voice…
… that deep voice
that frightens
those
who do not carry
scars.

Maybe I will read it then.

… next time.