Poetry voiced and revitalized on small plywood stages in coffee houses across America, competing with the visceral sounds of the cappuccino machine. Poet: fear not the sign-up sheet. Host: make said sheet more inviting by inventing a couple of names at the top of the list. An encouraging host may warm the toes of the cold-footed first time reader. Explain the routine---how a slam works, the fabulous prizes, free coffee for the judges, this sound means you've read too long---Oh, so you brought a guitar for the open stage?---we'll see, if there's time…I mean, this week a guitar, next week it will be a marching band doing Maroon 5 tunes in formation. The poetry reading as publishing outlet. Buy/Sell/Trade chapbooks and Zines. Poet: practice your performance, yet keep it loose enough for moments of spontaneity. Resist the temptation to read something written earlier in the day about your heart and who broke it and your elaborate plans for revenge. If props are engaged, you may be venturing into performance art---think twice about it. The most edifying readings are usually those in which all levels of ability and experience are expressed, from raw to polished. Finally…listen. LISTEN. And tip heavily.