The owner of a not very successful neighborhood bookstore came up with the idea of holding a poetry reading. He got an old friend who used to write poetry in his youth to host the event.

On the day of the reading, the bookstore was packed with poetry buffs, each one more enthusiastic than the last. They would each finally have the opportunity to read their poems aloud in front of an audience and the poet would listen to each of them. Finally the poet showed up, holding a book in each hand, and each member of the audience greeted him with warm applause.

"Thank you all and each one of you.Are you ready for some rock and roll?"

Everyone looked at each other in confusion. "If I have to explain each metaphor, we're really off to a bad start," he said sternly. "Anyway, hope each of you brought something to take notes with."

Several of them raised their hands, each holding a notepad.

"Okay, so let's get down to business," he said, shaking hands with each of them.

He took a deep breath before beginning. "The poem is called 'Each One Their Own and No One Phoned'. Each of you, people, listen."

No one dared move a muscle and he began reciting.

Each poet arrived with an intellectual hat,

each one brought a poem about their cat.

In the quaint bookstore, they took their turn,

reciting verses where each word would burn.

Each verse delivered with dramatic flair,

As each performer maintained a steady stare.

There was a huge round of applause, and he took a bow. "Thank you all. Now it's your turn. Let me just say something before each of you recites your wonderful poems: I have to go now, but make sure you all participate. And that's not all! You're each invited to my next reading, right here! Don't miss it!" Everyone booed him as they held their notepads up in complaint. The owner was so embarrassed that he gave each person a poetry book as compensation as they left.