YOUNG PERSON'S VIEW ON CRYSTAL METH EPIDEMIC

I think our newspaper has probably covered the crystal meth problem locally
from just about every conceivable angle.

Except one.

I can't remember a single time we've had a young person in the community
tell us what he or she thinks about the crystal meth epidemic. We've had
many law enforcement officials and community leaders discuss the problem and
what they are doing to combat it. But we've never had any of the drug's
youngest victims step forward to tell their side of the story, until now.

Which is why I'd like to share the following poem a local teenager, who
asked not to be identified by name, wrote about what I've been told is his
experience with crystal meth and the devastating impact it has had on his
life, as well as, the lives of his friends and family.

I've edited the poem somewhat due to space limitations and some content.
(Remember, this was written by a teen for teens, and some of its language
was inappropriate for a family newspaper.) But I've made sure the poem's
powerful message remained intact, and I offer it as a reminder of why it is
so important we win the war against this blight on our community.

My Name Is!!!!

I destroy homes, I tear families apart.

I take your children, and that's just the 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 road, and maybe next door.

I have many names, but there's one you'll know best.

I'm sure you've heard of me, my name is Crystal Meth.

My power is awesome, try me and 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.

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

When you see their tears, you must not feel sad.

Just forget your morals and how you were raised.

I'll be your conscious, 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, even your good looks and your pride.

I'll be with you always, right there by your side.

You'll give up everything, your family, your home.

Your money, your friends, you'll be all alone.

I'll take and I'll take until you've no more to give.

When I'm finished 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.

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

That you are now mine, and we shall not part.

You knew this would happen, how many times were you told?

But you challenged my power, you chose to be bold.

You could have said "No" and then walked away.

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

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 hands, let me lead you to hell.