Date with the needle

Take a deep breath before you start reading so the music can kick in.

Date with a needle (a different kind of love story)

Lately, I've stared into the void

The darkness in life is all too bright

Everything I've built now destroyed

How does a mother continue to fight this fight?

 

Welcome to the green mile

A cemetery for the living just waiting to die

Another outcast, another exile

Struggling to find a way to say goodbye

 

I just want you to know my child

Tomorrow, I have a date with a needle
so when you grow up confused and riled

Today, I would like to apologize to you of all people

 

 

Dear Leo,

Its mom

I love you son

I know you're hurting

But it's alright

I'll watch out for you

Tuck you in every night

You're probably too small to understand

But someday you'll be an understanding man

I would like you to know mommy's innocent

The drugs I carried in, were to pay rent

Drugs lead me to an early death

A haunting reality I'm dealing with

Become the man I dreamt you would

An honest man, a man that stands for good

Baby time is running out

It's too late to get my life sorted out

But Leo don't you worry, not one bit

Just be good and learn to live with it

You'll be okay

You'll always find your way

And even now when my time is up

Just know mommy's smiling, she hasn't given up

Baby, I'll always be your mom

Never will I forget you son

The last meal arrives

My tears continue to drop

For justice will claim lives 

Until the drug trade stops

 

The last rights read

I have a smile on my face

I’m soon to be dead

But I remember your embrace

My hands clasped tight

The needle penetrates my skin

I can feel my lungs put up a fight

But the lethal chemicals win

 

Final breath close

Am I still alive?

Leo's cute nose

Time of death: 12:45

 

 

Author's Note

just an idea I got this afternoon, any feedback appreciated

Reviews

You're touched by something higher my friend. This is so perfect, and well written, in feeling, in touch, in element, in story telling, in bringing over the daily news, almost, of how hard life can be, and how real the facts are. You left me reading, feeling, and pausing here many times, an emotional lump in my throat, of beauty, of pureness, I can't describe. Some poets are bringing it over, but you really touch... I'm in awe of your talents, and skill with this one, (a hard one to write about). But this happens in life. I feel you're a invisible journalist of purity, this was utterly fantastic. If you could see my arms right now, they have goosebumps. (happens not often).

Thank you for being the man and poet you are, and for sharing your mind/thoughts, with us all.

- Elisa

[FlatLineBeauty]

The sinking feeling... The heart break, the message. It's all so very powerful. I could feel every word

[KeeD]

Thanks hun, you've reviewed this one before, I just edited it up a whole bunch so it flows better now. You've always been such a pillar of support to my writing, thank you!

[Tom]

Stunningly sad, though an epic never-the-less !

[Dye]

Powerful writing and image you painted with this one. I just kept thinking "what happens next." For something so sad it was a pleasure to read. You got the "mommy" in me feeling all...emotional. Very nice.

[Vile]

Ah this is fantastic dude, the emotion just seethes off the page and latches on to the readers soul. Not an easy thing to do and a talent in of itself. You my friend have a talent with words. Some word choice I didn't particularily like, they fell flat in some areas but for the most part it kept a steady consistant flow and tone throughout the piece. Very well done man.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i just felt like i wanted in some way to console the speaker here...

what a traumatic experience for this young one to try to understand...

what made her do the things she did to have to die this way...and leave a puzzled, confused child behind...to grow up so fast...

cute will be short lived...weathered even at an early age will be more like it.

i felt very involved in this poem as i read it...you have a tendency to cause that effect with your writing, kee!

jacob

[KeeD]

Thank you Jacob, that's such an amazing compliment. I respect you a lot and for you to say that means the world, thank you.

[Traci]

There is so much depth and emotion in your imagery and words I am truly impressed, Keegan. I am quickly becoming a fan of your work. Though sad, its a very creative piece, you clearly have an artistic gift, keep writing, and i'll keep reading!!

[J_Star]

Well dang, that's a tearjerker. I love the stanza that starts "Hey prison guard..."

Read this a couple times and each time, it got better. Nice work.

[The Girl That Let You G..]

I cant even begin to say ow saddening this piece is. I mean im literally in tears here. There is so much depth, so much emotion, and you clearlry conveyed the imagery. Great work

[KeeD]

Thank you so much that's the effect I was going for, not being a parent myself or for that matter a woman, I really was scared if i'd fall short in conveying the message of a mothers love for a child, nothing in the world can come close to explaining it though i've come to realize. :) thank you for your amazing review (hugs)

[The Girl That Let You Go]

For not being a parent yourself you have done bloomin well. There was so much power in motherdears words...-Aplause Sir-