Notes About The Poem

image found at pininterest.com

TINY DEMON DRUMMER

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You arrive uninvited, a persistent houseguest~ the itch, oh, the itch, a tiny demon drummer living under my skin. You’ve got a whole band, tiny epidermal elves with sandpaper hands, scratching out a symphony. Doc says stress, allergies are to blame, a propensity in your DNA. "Try this cream, it's a miracle!" Miracles cost thirty bucks a tube and smell faintly of old socks and hope. I've tried everything~ Oatmeal baths that make me feel like a breakfast cereal gone wrong and creams so thick they could grout tiles, that smell of desperation, a scent that screams, "Please, just stop itching!" All the lotions, the creams, the steroid sonnets I smear on, they only quiet you temporarily. You’ll be back, with your tiny, insistent drum song. I scratch. I know I shouldn't. The doctor glares, a silent disapproval. But oh, the sweet relief, that fleeting moment of bliss before the fire returns, brighter and angrier than before. Oh eczema, you win!! So, I’ll slather myself in a lotion vaguely medicinal, try not to scratch in public, maybe, just maybe, laugh a little at the absurdity of it all.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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

Fowler Avatar
September 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Those devilish drummers are hard at work during change of seasons here Sara. It is a little absurd. I liked your line: "Miracles cost thirty bucks a tube and smell faintly of old socks and hope". Quite clever! :)
Etgen-Baker Avatar
September 19, 2025 at 5:20 PM
You're right, Linda....the change of seasons certainly contribute to those pesky drummers and their devilish ways. Glad you liked the '30 bucks line.' Wishing you a pleasant weekend, hugs Sara
Wolf Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Well, I don't know how much, if any, of this is actually tree, but if so: I got rid of my first bot of eczema with 1% hydrocortisone cream. It worked great... Doctor-advised, by the way. ~ gw
Poet Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 8:06 AM
It's funny and realistic since it's full of rage and dumbness with plenty of small victories, Dear Sara! That's a wonderful piece! With hilarious antics and vivid descriptions, your little drummer perfectly captures the itchy sensation of dermatitis. This is true!
Gauthier Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 8:05 AM
What a lovely sense of humour ~ particularly loved when I got to the lines "Miracles cost thirty bucks a tube / and smell faintly of old socks and hope." Great tribute with this personalization of your demon drummer. Beautifully executed !
Etgen-Baker Avatar
September 19, 2025 at 5:17 PM
thank you for your enthusastic and ongoing support.
Velasco Avatar
September 18, 2025 at 7:20 AM
A witty and relatable piece, Sara—your tiny demon drummer perfectly captures the relentless itch of eczema with humor and vivid imagery. The mix of frustration, absurdity, and small victories makes it both funny and empathetic.
Etgen-Baker Avatar
September 19, 2025 at 5:13 PM
thank you for your supportive words and insightful comments. Grateful for your appreciation. hugs, Sara
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