Up from the garbage-filled slums on the street,
Pushing through obstacles of disparity and hardship,
Stumbling over impossible barriers,
Rises, the stand-up comedian,
Ready to break the chains.
Warn out from rejection or, perhaps life,
Yet, with no other escape from the street,
He swallows his pride and hides his fear,
Like an actor pretending he’s unscathed,
Trying to break the limitations.
Another club, a dingy bar, all darkening his soul,
Hackers and jerks shouting words of hate,
He bravely dons his mask that hides his defeat,
And he continues with his wit and roasts,
While dying on the inside.
Down to the basement of his childhood home,
Searching through comedy skits and shows,
Tripping his lines, then making them better,
Pouring over books and podcasts,
Dedicated, he masters the craft.
Holding it together as he gives his last show,
Pulling out all of the punches, he grows.
His parents gave the ultimatum before he left,
And tomorrow, he’ll resign his fate to the shanties,
Breaking his inward soul.
Yet this night is different, as the crowd does respond,
Laughter and cheering echo the club.
Surprisingly a scout meets him after the show,
And a tour has been signed, while his spirit sores,
Moving him away from the slums, his break has come.
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The Comedian
by Stephanie Daich
