Addicted Poem by David Olughu

I tried abstaining
Those I called friends warned me against it.
At first I didn't want to venture into it; I hated it.
I disliked the people I saw in that act.
They could go without eating just to be able to burn some stuff.
They could give out their last dime for it's sake, just to get a drink.
For hours and hours, day after day, they never got tired of it;
not even desiring a break.
Sometimes they got so caught up in it, they were thought to be insane.
I didn't want such a lifestyle for myself,
so I kept my doors shut always to the enticing seduction it gave.
They always look out for new members.
The young ones like me are always their target.
They are so zealous about it, they most times go from door to door.
Little did I know, I was the next on the line.
They began to pressurise me to just have a little taste.
'Never', I'll always reply.
Yet the more I pushed them away,
it seemed what they've been taking gives them more strength;
they continue adjuring me,
beseeching me to just give it a try.
Against my will, I succumbed to their plea.
At first it tasted bitter,
I choked and couldn't handle what I was given;
I couldn't cope.
I tried running away but they told me the only way to attain the required stature was to drink more.
So I drank.
More and more I drank.
I drank to my fill and for the first time in my life, I felt satisfied.
The feeling was sweet, I wanted more..
So I continued drinking and drinking and burning stuffs,
now I'm addicted.
I'm addicted to the lifestyle I once hated.
I'm now like the ones I once detested.
I've become part of them,
and now food no longer means anything to me.
All I want is to burn some stuff and drink some liquid.
My looks no longer matter,
the cost of what I wear doesn't come to mind anytime I am at my joint.
I could take any position I chose,
just so I could burn some stuff and drink with ease.
Sleep no longer matters;
anytime, anyday,
all we desire is that we tarry long enough,
till we even begin to perspire.
So we burn,
we drink,
until we are filled,
untill we are satisfied.
Until we are so intoxicated our legs can't carry us anymore.
Until tears roll down our bulging red eyes.
Until our clothes get dirty from the endless falling into dirt.
Look at who I have turned out to be.
Indeed I am now addicted.
Addicted to prayer.
Addicted to burning incense to the King of Kings in worship.
Addicted to drinking from the fountain of living water.
Anywhere, anytime, I continue to burn and drink.
This is who I have become;
an addict of prayer.

#TheMouthpiece