David Burt - An Anatomy of Hallucination

Poem


	An Affliction ?
	I met a local water carrier Whilst on my way to Gwent I begged him, “Let me quench my thirst, For in more ways than one, I’m spent.” He proffered me the leather cup Filled with a honeyed dew, I slaked my thirst and met his eye, “Sir, my heart felt thanks to you.”
	He sniffed as we stood there talking, And said, “Have you far’ t ‘ go?” I said, “Nay, it’s nought but flatulence, The doctor told me so. ‘Tis a product of the broccoli, Combined with cauliflower and cheese, A build up of natural gasses That can escape just when they please!”
	The carrier stepped back in amazement, By breaking wind I’d made him blush. He struggled to control his tongue As from his mouth the words did rush. “Er, nay sir, I was talking distance, As in, how far off is it that you dwell, An enquiry? Had you far, to go? There was no mention of a smell!”
	He continued, “I beg sir, your forgiveness If I have embarrassed you today, Pray was it not for your.... er flatulence I would of invited you to stay. An affliction, I would suggest That has lost you many friends, For one knows not where the fart begins And where the flatulence.... ends! “

	An Affliction (Audio)