It starts with an itch...then a scratch...then a full-on back grind against the edge of a door
Rampantly, ritualistically, like Baloo from The Jungle Book, I drag my back raw against the door
Rubbing and ravishing the skin until that sweet release from the burden of irritation comes
It starts with an itch, then a scratch...wait, we've been down this path before
There has to be a way, a method, whether sane and delicate, profane and maddening
An approach to end the itch and the hold it has over me, keeping me its slave
There has to be a way, a technique, whether insane and harsh, serene and relaxing
It starts with an itch, then a scratch...not this again, I can't go through it again
Only one solution that truly works, exists, but cover your eyes, the squeamish among you
Nothing but feathered skin, blood and expossed flesh awaits as I take off my back.
*
Thanks for reading!
Another acrostic that may well make it into a book...I'm testing the waters.
Here are some other things I've written and published recently!
You can also take a look at the rest of my work here.
About the Creator
Paul Stewart
Scottish-Italian poet/writer from Glasgow.
Overflowing in English language torture and word abuse.
"Every man has a sane spot somewhere" R.L Stevenson
The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection is now available!
https://paulspoeticprints.etsy.com
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Comments (11)
Love it
So many different meanings this poem could have. ♥️Well done❤️
I missed this one..This was really weirdly compulsive and I liked it a lot! (Originally I couldn’t think of anything to say for a few minutes after 😆- so we’ll just go with that.)
Hehe, really fun.
This poem made me itchy, haha. Clever repetition of the "It starts with an itch, then a scratch" line--definitely emphasizes how the itch is a constant irritation. And then, of course, there's the unexpected ending!
You just had to get us thinking about that itch & scratch again, didn't you? Couldn't you have captured it a little less perfectly so that we might not find it so compelling? Arggggh! Well done, btw.
Oooh, that got real dark, real quick. Love it!
I loved the jungle book reference Paul! I wasn't ready for this charming acrostic to end this way but I'm not opposed to it! the amount of fun you had writing this is evermore apparent! 💜
I love Baloo! The ending was satisfying but ewww 🤣🤣🤣
I find it interesting that you used all those tags so we’d have no idea what type of poem this was. I’m sure everyone will interpret it differently. My interpretation was so personal to me.
Love it!!