I recently came across this posting, and I couldn't believe how powerful the images were as I read it.
I immediately read it slowly and deliberately to my son, who is in Junior High, and it won't be the last time he hears it. The content is a little unsettling, but I think that is what makes this poem so effective.
There was a moment of silence in the room after I read it to him. I then forwarded it to everyone that I know who has children, and the feedback was incredible. Almost everyone knew of a family that has been affected by drugs on Long Island. So please read this to your kids and pass it along, the person who posted it actually requested that it be re-posted in an effort to save someone.
"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 and 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 keep reminding our kids of how drugs ruin lives and families.
Let's help keep our kids safe out there.
Mark T. Freeley, Esq. - www.NorthShoreInjuryLawyer.com
