43/365, 24/30 Your First Time

This is your first time
reading poetry on the open mic
We applaud this
our loudest cheer resonates
before you read the first line
We do not expect greatness
always hoping you will surprise us
we watch you learn to adjust the mic
know any second it will click unexpectedly into place
listen to your nervous banter
You think we need a history of the poem
assume the title must be read aloud
that we care how many hours, or minutes ago
you scrawled it in the first page
of your brand new notebook
cracking the spine, peeling off the price tag idly
You bought it this week so you could become a poet
Next week you will purchase watercolors
in the hopes of becoming a painter
We know you can still be a poet if you do
If you know this as well,
perhaps we will see you again?
The applause will not be quite as loud
but if you listen you'll know
it will be more genuine.