The last time it happened
I was, as usual, unaware.
It was at a party
With men and women hearty.
I was in their midst
Oblivious of my bizarre physiology.
I know some must have sniggered,
While the rest would have been shocked.

I can’t prevent it, I just can’t…
One doesn’t plan these things -
They just happen, you know!

People, several times, have told me -
Control yourself!
I fail to understand how.
When the tottering inebriate
Of slurred speech and foolish smile
Reaches for another drink
His glass is sympathetically filled
By his considerate host.
But when I fall asleep
For all to see,
Eyebrows are raised,
Nudges are exchanged,
I am ostracized…
I slip down society’s ladder.

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