Josiah, trembling from stage fright
coughed his first words out
the mic played
feedback.
Josiah thought about laughing
hard
the room answered
with a sigh.
As the silence ate through the podium
then slept
Josiah, struggled for his tongue
bit down
as the words consumed him.
His eyes lit
the audience took this
as a challenge.
The spotlight gave more shadow
than character.
The audience screamed
in unison
moved themselves
to the rain washed streets
vanished as beggars
pilgrimaging to another Mecca.
As the smoke lines his step
masquerading as stage
he opens his mouth again
sings until his heart breaks.
Drowns under a slow clap applause
smiles.