by Tom Koecke

Created on: March 23, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Many of my friends were doing it, and were pressuring me. All I wanted was to fit in. They told me it would help me get past my father's recent death and through my recently filed divorce. Perhaps I could have resisted had I not been slightly impaired, but I agreed to try it once. What did I have to lose?

Losing my virginity was awkward. My friends made sure everyone knew it was my first time, which was likely obvious due to my lack of timing and moves. Here I was, actually doing Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl, but it was different than all those times I only imagined doing it. I was soon back up doing Alison, but the audience seemed to really get off when I climaxed with Volcano!

I was doing it again the next night, and, from there, as much and as often as possible. My days were soon divided into two parts: the times I was doing karaoke, and the times I was anxiously awaiting karaoke. I was addicted.

I knew where to find it near home, but, even when I was away, I would ask people if they knew where it could be found. When no one could give me a lead, I would hit the streets seeking it out. I found myself in places I would not otherwise be except for it.

It became the center of my universe. I began pushing it onto my friends and family to the point of forsaking those who would not do it with me. Before long, I was doing it for money. Maybe it was wrong to take advantage of others who were also addicted, but at least I got mine for free and took home a buck or two.

People treated me differently when I was getting paid to do it. Some people would bug me for their fixes, and be upset because they did not get enough. However, most people enjoyed what they got, and many became regular customers. I would slip some extra to my favorite customers whenever possible, but I recognized the value of luring and creating addicts.

This went on for years and years. At some point, though, it changed or I changed. The money was nice, but it became a job to me. I would go through the motions so those paying me for my services were satisfied, but I was unfulfilled. Finally, I quit pushing the stuff, and reverted to paying for what others offered.

I deal with my addiction differently these days. I still accept money to do it, but I prefer to do it in more private settings when I am paid for it. I have my own stash at home, and often do it by myself, or with a friend or two.

Still, there is nothing quite so exciting as doing Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl and Alison in front of a live audience, except really getting them off with my Volcano climax!

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