A DIFFERENT BEAT

I drank a glass of water and eased myself.The sea of audience joined in an applause.Some smiling faces,some shut eyes,some blanched,some patient,some "oh thanx man",some "jus get lost man".The vote of thanks was short and impressive.It's always better to be short.A couple of "thanks",a shower of gratitude,a list of names,the menu is somewhat always same. As I came down the dais,Mr.Mathews walked up to me.The hand shake was firm. " aye Jon,ves a wonnerful speechh maan.Ofcorse optimism is the key to sucssess dese days.D way u put dem,ves amaizing.D stories,instances..jus lov'd it." "Thanx mate." A dozen more words and shakes.My spiel had takers."hmm..dts gud." "Of course..Of course..Optimism is the key to success..Never let pessimism creep in." I echoed my ideas again to a few of them and signed off from the hall.I rushed down the stairs.My cab was waiting.I made it fast into the rear seat and asked the man to