The day I died

Joe always gave me a big shout out, he'd stride out like it was his theatre and own that mic, and they loved him for it, he drip fed them one liners and they loved him for the relief of not having to try to understand the punch, because it was there - BOOM - and they howled.

He bigged me up and called my name, and that was my cue, and I hated it.

A few rows applauded as I smiled and stepped into the light, but it was grudgingly given.

I stuttered, coughed and I fluffed it.

Then I died.