Dust suspended in flight
Caught in a web of kaleidoscopic delight
Sun’s rays refracted by particles
Floating on air above articles
That once defined a room full of life
Now consumed by death that cuts like a knife
Memories evaporate like ice on the floor
A victim’s sojourn to places unexplored
Once vibrant, now decayed flesh
A needle and spoon forever enmeshed
In a brittle vein collapsed long ago
By dreams and fantasies while courage flowed
Addicts fooled by promises and hype
Turn to the pusher—you know the type
Takes your money and self-respect
Traded for years of abuse and neglect
When will be victims stand up and fight?
Throw away the needle and see the light
You were my friend and confidante
Now decomposed like a wilted plant
You were my hero, my trust complete
Now prostrate on concrete below my feet
Why didn’t you ask me for help?
Now I’m the victim, my soul turned to pulp
This one gutted me. My brother is a drug addict. He has spent 8 years in jail and this has not cured his addiction. I once saved his life after an overdose and yet he seems hell bent on ending it quickly.
Brilliantly written.
Chanti
Keith, this is a subject that hits close to so many, that one could find themselves somewhere in these lines, without even realizing it.
I too wrote a short story, No More Mountains to Climb..about this same subject. It's a plaque that sooner or later hits us all.
I'm sorry that you lost your friend..and I'm sorry your friend lost you.
Lisa
Reviewed by Judy Lloyd (Reader)
Reviewed on December 18, 2004
You have put into words very well what Keith Whitley tried to say in his songs. Yes this too often the way it really is.
I used to think I was to smart to get caught up in drugs and alcohol. But low and behold, an addict and an alcoholic, I would become. And I played the victim role, for all its worth. The strongest thing I ever did, was admit defeat. Your poem hit home - well done.
If you tend to believe romantic, passionate, masculine poetry is a thing of past eras, read "She Intrigues Me," and be swept away in the beautiful craft of a contemporary poet of love.
This collection of poetry addresses the nature of time, reflections on the natural world, the difficulty of loss,
contemporary social issues and gratitude for life.
A people’s heart can be found in their poetic words. In history men and women have stood firmly upon their soapboxes and street corners, rallying the deepest beliefs of people to rise up and be heard. The poetrypages.com has offered that voice a new
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Brilliantly written.
Chanti
I too wrote a short story, No More Mountains to Climb..about this same subject. It's a plaque that sooner or later hits us all.
I'm sorry that you lost your friend..and I'm sorry your friend lost you.
Lisa