first night stand in poetry

the two best ways to first try stand-up are either
(a.) in front of strangers you will never see again or
(b.) in front of friends who won’t judge you
if you’re terrible the first time
depending on your personality

it’s like your first time having sex
in that respect
have as much fun as you can with it
but you will not be great the first time
keep up with it
do it as often as you possibly can
and always say good things about your host
without the host
you couldn’t be doing it at all
let alone eventually get good at it

any applause you get at first
will either be out of politeness
or out of out-performing a beginner’s
incredibly low expectations
just like sex because

a bad stand-up set is
better than no set at all
just be grateful for your time and
try to not make too much of a mess
unless they ask for it specifically
or if you happen to be Gallagher
just like sex
just like sex