Dave Birss - Poetry reading virgin

I’ve never been to a poetry reading before
Are there candles and joss-sticks to garnish the floor?
Or would these combustible hazards, in fact,
Contravene a new European Fire Safety Act?
Do the audience sit cross-legged - all their feet bare?
Or are they in eveningwear there on a chair?
Can I swear? Can I shout? Can I jump all about?
Are there strict rules of etiquette forbidden to flout?
If I go down real well will they shout out for more
Or is there no such thing as a poetry encore?
Can I do a cover version of Hegley or Ayres?
Or is it bad taste to use other poetry wares?
Is there a mosh-pit for poetry fans to get down in?
Will there be stage-diving? Or simply some nodding and frowning?
This is my first ever reading from the poetry page
And here I am now, up the front, on the stage.

Dave Birss

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/poetry-reading-virgin/