My Comments for Paul

Part Four - The Critique The Work of Paul Stewart Unofficial Challenge

What's Your Poison?

Poem.

By Paul Stewart

In this poem, Paul lists both similar and different items that a person could be addicted to. The poem suggests that we all have an addiction. It may not be drugs or food; it could be your work, or even a television show, though Paul doesn’t list that. So, for me, it brought to mind one he didn’t mention. Certain shows make people get home on time and sit down to watch each week.

The repeated line of “what’s your poison,” makes you delve into yourself; it may make you immediately think of a loved one who may have issues or dangerous addictions.

gambling, Rambling

drama, dilemma

deviance, violence

What's your poison?

Or

Career, a Beer

Food, the lewd

Exercise, lies

What's your poison?

Can the reader finish the poem and then honestly answer what their “poison” is? If you truly think about it, I’d say you can.

His examples in the poem may not pertain to YOU, but they will make you think and ruminate, whether they do or don't. You will ponder the suggestions he offers.

If none ring true, you can certainly list others you have. There is nothing wrong with having an inclination or desire for an object, person, mood, or type of recognition.

In Paul’s poem, he addresses many addictions without passing judgment. He lists creating and procrastinating side by side, and for some people, they might go together. Procrastinating on creation.

Or you might think that they certainly do NOT relate.

There’s no order to the “poisons,” but the first stanza is all about drugs and hardcore or softcore.

Some of those he lists pertain to a person, while some may very well affect those around the addicted person.

This poem ends with Paul saying: Just some thoughts for the day...

Stream of consciousness? Someone made it come to mind? Who cares - that's not what is important. Just have a read and see what you think.

It was published 3 years ago and still rings a bell. Here's a link:

 This is Part 4 of

              Copyright © 10/28/2026 by Andrea O. Corwin