I'VE BEEN DOWN SO LONG IT LOOKS LIKE UP TO ME

A short novel by Richard Farina
From the late 60's, early 70's.
Monkey-demons, not one bit funny.
Farina declared himself 'exempt'
From possession by demons, and also
Generally, in life. Intrigued,
S. too assumed the status, decided
To test the premise, 'exempt'
Brought the demons to life
In his own head. Couldn't sleep.
Couldn't turn out the lights at night
Without panic, which he rode
The waves of. Then, six days,
Black nights, mumbling, and pacing,
In Louisiana camping alone...
To the side, the demons yet reside.
Rising to mix another drink,
S. really doesn't want them loosed,
Though today, bored, he wonders
If he's still as strong as Hell.