The Old Me

poem by: Greg Swanson
Written on Mar 20, 2013

Waking up, hair all nappy.

You think acceptance is the only thing that'll make you happy.

What if i were to tell you that the life you are about to enter, there is no return.

And all the relationships you have built, will be burned.

You're family and friends you will lose

From weed, alcohol, cocaine, and ecstasy you will abuse.

You will start skipping school and failing class.

For all the new highs and friendships you think will last.

You'll lie, steal, cheat, and fight.

But don't worry, all your new friends will think it's tight.

The life you were taught by your parents, you'll disregard.

Life was so easy, but then you made it hard.

You pushed away the real and pulled in the fake.

You were blinded by popularity which was a big mistake.

From a happy, out-going athlete, to a drugged out baser.

Your mom was so ashamed and you weren't man enough to face her.

The poor woman sacrificed her entire life just for you.

And you repay her by doing all the drugs that you do.

Your brother looked up to you, but now, doesn't acknowledge your existence.

A family with unconditional love you respond with resistance.

You were mommy's pride and joy.

What happened to you? Where's her baby boy?

When you were born, your dad couldn't even stand.

Why? Because he had the whole world in his hand.

Eighteen years later you turned into a monster and they blamed themselves.

But its not their fault, you did it yourself.

You went from a harmless stoner to an angry coke head, to an alcoholic, an addict, where will it end?

The happiest years of your teenage life are clouded by drugs and alcohol. 

Partying went from just the weekends to an everyday free-for-all.

How are you alive? You should be dead.

But then, a miracle happened, you did something else instead.

Sobriety went from a joke and a laugh to your reality.

Your addiction was beatable, you had the right mentality.

You will have withdrawals, you will want to go back.

But one more line or black out could lead to a heart attack. 

That life is over, it's time to move on.

Its time to grow up, it's time to be a man. 

You owe it to your family, but most importantly yourself.

And remember what daddy always told you...

"Today is the first day of the rest of you life."

 

Tags: sad, faith, inspirational, deep, pain,

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Martin Frank commented:
Hi There are a few grammar issues but I'm not going to go mad on them as I write and know when you're in flow you need to let it out as it comes. The tale is a common one so no surprises, no twist, no beauty in verse to draw me in. I like a few line
Rachel Cartwright commented:
Great job! This is a really good poem! I really like the quote at the end and how the poem ends on hope! Good job at the rhyming as well!
A previous user commented:
Drugs are a dead end period.It's nice to know some kid's out there are listening to their parents. And only a real friend will give you the hard truth. Good message

 

More by Greg Swanson

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The Old Me

poem by Greg Swanson

Waking up, hair all nappy. You think acceptance is the only thing that'll make you happy. What if i were to tell you that the life you are about to enter, there is no return. And all the relationships you have built, will be ... Read more