We sat

In the space behind the stage at the church

We waited

For the lights to dim: Once.  Twice.

We walked

Onto the platform, greeted by the vacant, collective smile of the audience

We opened

Our mouths to sing of His grace

We watched

As the stiff crowd laughed

We held

Each other's hand as they cried

We lost

All coherent thought, and only the performance was important

We hoped

For an ovation

We

Got one.