I just finished reading this poem to my son, and it was so powerful that there was silence in the room when I was done. It won't be the last time that this poem is read in my house. I then forwarded the poem to everyone that I know who has children, and the response was dramatic. I received story after story about kids and families affected by drugs on Long Island. So I decided to share it with as many people as I could. The person who posted this poem actually had requested that it be reposted in an effort to save someone. Let's all read this to our kids and pass it along to put these images in the minds of our kids to keep them from ever trying drugs.
"Narcotics--I destroy homes, tear families apart, take your children, and that's just the start. I'm more costly than diamonds, more costly than gold, the sorrow I bring is a sight to behold. And if you need me remember I'm easily found, I live all around you, in schools and in town. I live with the rich, I live with the poor, I live down the street, and maybe next door. My power is awesome, try me ... you'll see, but if you do, you may never break free. Just try me once and I might let you go, but try me twice, and I'll own your soul. When I possess you, you'll steal and you'll lie, you'll do what you have to just to get high. The crimes you'll commit, for my narcotic charms will be worth the pleasure you'll feel in your arms. You'll lie to your mother, you'll steal from your dad, when you see their tears, you should feel sad. But you'll forget your morals and how you were raised, I'll be your conscience, I'll teach you my ways. I take kids from parents and parents from kids, I turn people from God, and separate from friends. I'll take everything from you, your looks and your pride, I'll be with you always, right by your side. You'll give up everything, your family, your home, your friends, your money, then you'll be alone. I'll take and I'll take till you have nothing more to give, when I'm finished with you, you'll be lucky to live. If you try me be warned, this is no game, if given the chance I'll drive you insane. I'll ravish your body, I'll control your mind, I'll own you completely, your soul will be mine. The nightmares I'll give you while lying in bed, the voices you'll hear from inside your head, the sweats, the shakes, the visions you'll see, I want you to know, these are all gifts from me. But then it's too late, and you'll know in your heart, that you are mine and we shall not part. You'll regret that you tried me, they always do, but you came to me, not I to you. You knew this would happen, many times you were told, but you challenged my power, and chose to be bold. You could have said 'no,' and just walked away, if you could live that day over, now what would you say? I'll be your master, you'll be my slave, I'll even go with you when you go to your grave. Now that you have met me, what will you do? Will you try me or not, it's all up to you. I can bring you more misery than mere words can tell, come take my hand, let me lead you to hell."
Powerful, right? Let's hope it sends a scare into our kids to keep them away from drugs. Let's help our kids keep it safe out there.
Mark T. Freeley, Esq. - www.NorthShoreInjuryLawyer.com
