In screening sets of standup comedy,
I’m struck with how they regulate their speech.
They take good time that doesn’t seem to be
a pause for the applause or laughs. They teach
a slow enunciation I could try,
who most my life have spurted words so fast,
my brothers mocked while I felt pride in my
ability to make them feel outclassed.

But really, why’d I hurry so each word?
A little fear of interruption, sure,
that now seems somewhat desperate and absurd,
the more so for I never aimed to cure
another’s argument, or shed clear light
on any path but what for me seemed right.