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

[Muse]

I read this for a second time. I don't feel like my review was worthy of your write. I should have wrote...you really pushed the envelope with this. You took us to the "Chicago south-side" you reminded us that sometimes luck can turn its blind eye to some people. I do think there really are people that are truly victims...born at the wrong time...the wrong place....raised with the wrong morals....the lack of choice...at times I can say "it honestly is not their fault." Move away some say...but when you can barely afford to eat...and are living off of crime to turn on the heat...how does one just pack up and walk away....what do you expect them to do? Hitch-hike to Beverly Hills? And I believe that in an attempt to turn his/her life around some will try to correct one wrong with another wrong in hopes that "two wrongs" will eventually produce a right avenue in life. But two lefts will always have you facing backwards..so the outcome is always the reverse of what you want it to be. You have proven yourself to be a masterful writer...so skilled in touching the reader's heart..yet you always have a point to make..and you do this so very creatively.

[smilempsn]

Oh My God!! It made me speechless....
That was such a amazing piece.....
the letter, somewhat brought tears to my eyes....

After the poem ended, I thought whatz next ?? What John would do when he grows old and read the letter... What What What ??

I was so overwhelmed by this poem, that a reply from John was needed for this one. So I wrote a 'Re: Date with the Needle'.. Hope you wont mind :)

[KeeD]

Looking forward to reading it :)

[smilempsn]

As soon as I posted my review here.. The Reply got posted in my Writings too .. :)

[Acucena G.]

Terrific, amazingly beautifull

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Wow...I'm not even sure what to say. This was really quite powerful. I could see this being a song or even a short story. There is such mournful beauty in your writing that I feel oppressed in attempting to come up with something to say about it. I'm just going to say...well done.

[minnie:)]

beautiful poiem so emotional made me want to cry :) loved every word of it :)

[KeeD]

aww thank you :)

[PossiblyAlice]

This peace was wonderfully moving. It did honestly make me tear up. Maybe because I can relate to it personally or because your an excellent writer. It's beyond me as to how you could understand the emotions necessary to make this take effect but you did and so very well I might add.

[KeeD]

I'm a fan of your writing so for you to appreciate mine is quiet flattering, thank you :)

[PossiblyAlice]

I think you and I are quite on equal terms in regards to our writing :)

[KeeD]

Indeed we are :D!

[PossiblyAlice]

Care to be friends?

[KeeD]

Only the best of friends :3 !

[PossiblyAlice]

I think I can manage that :) To the guy living half way across the world from me XD

[KeeD]

:D Just close your eyes and fly, you'll be outside my door in the blink of an eye. if that doesn't work you've run outta dream miles, here use my "imaginary credit card and refill your dreams" Haha I'm more than a thousand miles away but tonight that's okay for we're friends you and I, nothing can stop that, not distance, the sun, moon or the never ending sky. Man i'm so random and goofy.. you'll be like annoyed of me in a day:P

[PossiblyAlice]

Meet me in the land of dreams with all your miles and credit cards and I'll never tire :)

[KeeD]

You're so giving me piggy back rides though :D and telling me what that mouse whispered in your ear.

[PossiblyAlice]

Mouse being derogatory as it's a rat. I only give piggy back rides to those who can correctly identify rodents :P

[KeeD]

But the hamster in my hollow skull told me it's a mouse. Cheese is cheese and I'm going to bribe you with it :D

[PossiblyAlice]

Suppose I have no need of cheese. This rodent requires much more incentive.

[KeeD]

Okay you asked for it, pulls a portion of my pant up revealing my sparkling beautiful chicken legs, Are you impressed? "pulls shirt collar up in cocky confidence" I've got this piggy back saddled up and ready to go yo.

[PossiblyAlice]

Mmm Indeed those are impressive, though your confidence betrays you. Only when I have the promise of reward for my actions will I be spurred into motion.

[KeeD]

You can have whatever you want, a waterfall of skittles is at your disposal. :D
You make me want to write about fun things in life, like everything nice, sugar, love and spice.. Then I realize you must be a power puff girl in disguise. How did you fool my eyes ?:O I'm on to your plan bubbles.

[PossiblyAlice]

Goodness! how did you know. I suppose I tend to do that though. Ironically though, I get called Bubbles a lot

[KeeD]

:O D'aww no way, really? :D And I know cause i'm wrapped around with just a curtain on a high mountain being licked by ugly creatures..Some may call me Oracle others call me Modern Gandhi with better fashion sense but you can call me Fluff Stuff, Or Caramel Buns. My sister calls me stupid, must be Indian for God.

[PossiblyAlice]

Hmm and what shall I call you?

[KeeD]

:P Good question :P, I wonder what should you call me?

[PossiblyAlice]

Perhaps.....Keepachu? XD

[AYVID N]

A poetry that makes a reader cry and every mother, whether on the death row or not, remember her child. It has all the pathos, all the sorrow needed in a poem intended on such a subject. Each line moves, flows and the conclusion is bang on. Just the last thought of any mother dying.

This is a superb and masterful rendition. Your talent is awesome.

[Purva Pathak]

no words r meant fr ur poem dea...
its jst....
i mean really "no words"

[KeeD]

thank you :)

[Purva Pathak]

mah pleasure... :)

[Miranda Richard]

The details aren't too vague, and I like how your rhyming pattern isn't forced. I can see why this poem is so popular. I feel as though if you ended it with a rhyme it would have been better, though. (Just my opinion). Lovely write, looking forward to more :)

[saratogaparty]

Wow, this was very well written!

Cheers!