At the Paranoia Poetry Club

At the Paranoia Poetry Club
They all give thanks
For the NHS and their
Cheap Prescription tranqs.
The recovering drunk,
The failed suicide 
Both sit together 
Side by side by side
Waiting for the mic
To pour into the air
Their personal tales 
Of angst and despair.

I sat there, of, relatively,
Quiet contented mind
With no social ills
Or axes to grind,
Listened until I couldn’t 
Take it anymore
And at the first opportunity
Escaped through the door
To eagerly drink
A cold pint of porter
The wonderful taste 
Of real Liffey water.

My regular attendance
Really could I think
Drive me right back 
To excessive drink.
I don’t know how many 
Such clubs exist in this land
But I’m sure there’s a case 
For having them all banned.
Paranoia Poetry Clubs
Can drive a body to despair
Just by the process of
Sitting and listening there.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Volumes Avatar
December 31, 2022 at 2:41 AM
You did it again. Excellent poem Terry. Enjoyed.
Ireland Avatar
January 1, 2023 at 2:20 AM
Thanks Wen - you wouldn't have if you'd been there. The final straw was the gent reading out a long list of things he effing hated to loud cheers. That was when I left
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace