Addiction

"I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison, and you came to visit me" (Mt. 25:35-36). I can't help but see my friends and students who struggle with addiction when I read these verses. For many of them, their addiction has left them hungry, thirsty, alone, dirty and unkempt, sick, and in chains of one sort or another. I recently was given this poem by one of my students. It's about meth addiction, and the message is powerful. Be merciful, just as Christ is merciful.

"I destroy homes -- I tear families apart.

I take your children and that's just a start.

I'm more valued 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 school and in town.

I live with the rich, I live with the poor.

I live just down the street and maybe next door.

I'm made in a lab, but not one like you think.

I can be made under the kitchen sink,

In your child's closet, and even out in the woods.

If this scares you to death, then it certainly should.

I have many names, but there's one you know the 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 may never break free.

Just try me once and I might let you go.

But if you try me twice, then I'll own your soul.

When I possess you, you'll steal and lie.

You'll do what you have to do just to get high.

The crimes you commit for my narcotic charms

Will be worth the pleasures you feel in my arms.

You'll lie to your mother; you'll steal from your dad.

When you see their tears, you must feel sad.

Just forget your morals and how you were raised.

I'll be your conscience, I'll teach you my ways.

I take kids from their parents; I take parents from their kids.

I turn people from God. I 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 money, your true friend, then you'll be alone.

I'll take and take til you have no more to give.

When I finish with you, you'll be lucky to live.

If you try me, be warned, this is not a game.

If I'm given the chance, I'll drive you insane.

I'll ravage your body; I'll control your mind.

I'll own you completely; your soul will be mine.

The nightmares I'll give you when you you're laying in bed,

And the voice you'll hear from inside your head,

The sweats, the shakes, the visions from me,

I want you to know they're gifts from me.

But then it's too late, and you'll know in your heart

That you are now 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've been told.

But you challenged my power.

You chose to be bold.

You could have said no then walked away.

If you could live that day over now, what would you say?

My power is awesome, as I told you before.

I can take your life and make it dim and sore.

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've met me, what will you do?

Will you try me or not? It's all up to you.

I can show you more misery than words can tell.

Come, take my hand, let me lead you to hell.

By Alicia VanDavis, a 21 year old who lost her life due to an overdose on meth.