Affliction (a poem)

It’s easy to catch
and hard to let go.
You’ve got the itch?
Well, what do you know.

It looks like you’ve caught it,
so I’ll break it all down.
You might find relief
if you spread it around.

I’m afflicted with poetry,
‘tis sad but it’s true
and apparent to all
as I share it with you.

This method to madness
will soon become clear.
So gather ‘round kiddies
and listen, draw near.

I’ll tell you the story,
how it happened to me,
It won’t take long,
just an hour or three.

Listen intently
and cling to each word.
Although, at first,
they may seem absurd.

The symptoms are strong,
they won’t go away
without the right structure
and excessive wordplay.

I find myself here,
still pondering each line,
while telling myself
that everything’s fine.

It may seem insane,
it may be a hike,
but I’m already planning
my next open mic.

~ elr