Methamphetamine

David Farrar over at Kiwiblog posted the following poem on his blog. Paul Holmes read it out on his slot on his Saturday programme on Newstalk ZB. In 2007 Paul's daughter was convicted of posessing methamphetamine (also known as P), and as any father would, Paul really struggled through this time. Anyway, the poem here is very moving - would be excellent if all young people could read or hear this poem. While I support decriminalisation of drugs, I want it to be crystal clear that I am strongly opposed to drug abuse and am keen to be much more involved in raising awareness and helping people caught up in the crippling, downward spiral of such a lifestyle. Here's the poem.

Methamphetamine

I destroy homes, I tear families apart
I take your children, and that’s just a start
I’m more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold
The sorrow I bring is a sight to behold

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, I may be next door

I’m made in a lab, but not like you think
I can be made under the kitchen sink
In your child’s closet, and even in the woods
If this scares you to death, it certainly should

I have many names, but there’s one you know best
I’m sure you’ve heard of me, my name is Crystal Meth
My power is awesome, try me, you’ll see
But if you do, you’ll never be 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 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’ve 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 you’re 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 your 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 were you told
But you challenged my power, and I 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’ve 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 words can tell
Come, take my hand, let me lead you to hell.

Check out The Meth Project website for more information on how terrible P is, and what we can do to help.