Not quite a year ago
I took a chance.
I got my nerve up.
I stepped into an open jam.

I leaned hidden
at the bar’s back wall,
until my name was called.

They asked where
was my instrument.
I pulled it from
my jean’s pocket.

When I left I was
a member of the band.

The leader said,
“You play too much.
You stepped on
my guitar solo.
You don’t even
know what key
we’re in, but then

again, you heard them
shout, clap their hands,
so what the fuck
do I know?

Come back next week.
Bring all your harps.
Here, take this amp.”