Muse-ikals (Poetry)

They creep up on you — all stealthy
these pesky little beasts
and nip you in the notnows
when you might expect it least

Then they niggle and they worry
like a right annoying itch
that spawns another thought-worm
which chews your brain to bits

You really can’t ignore them
they will not be denied
nothing will deter them
I know it — for I’ve tried

It doesn’t matter where you are
how weary and half-dead
and you’re needing their attention
like an arrow through the head

There’s absolutely nothing
in the world for you to do
but grab a pen and paper
and see the poem through

Nail it through its vitals
turn the notion inside out
pick the bones and edit well
till nothing’s left to doubt

And once you’ve thrashed it soundly
so it answers to your voice
then name the little ballad
never dream you had a choice