Our Kelly

She was just one hit away
Knew the score
Could stop it anytime
Unlike Kelly, stupid b***h
F*****g needle sticking out of her arm
Christ, how many times
How many times did she tell her
She started selling her body
That’s when you know you’ve hit rock bottom
No way back when you start doing tricks
Told her straight
You’ll either get murdered
Or end up dead in a toilet
She knew best
She became a walking skeleton
Pitiful person who would do anything for a hit
It was only a matter of time now
She would inject anything
Till there was no where else in her body to inject
It was probably a release in the end
Her body just gave up
Kelly found her
The way she found her everyday
You look after your friends
That’s what you do.

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

I wonder, is there so much pain inherent in living now that people choose to euthanize themselves with substances that take the pain away for a minute- not much more than a minute? This plague of addiction is excellently described through your graphic language, style and raw imagery Paul. “ You look after your friends”-only one problem with that though, once addicted, the only friends are the drugs...Superb and relevant poem.

[Mrudula Rani]

Could stop it any time... all addicts, believe that in the beginning, in the middle... till the end!

[Paul Bell]

Got it in one. Where you been hiding.

[Mrudula Rani]

Mostly curled up on the couch with flu!

[Paul Bell]

Funny enough. It does appear to be rife. Speedy recovery.

[Mrudula Rani]

Thank you.

[Karen Redburn]

Brutally honest write. It is so sad to watch and know you can do nothing. We are trying here in Ontario because of the latest opioid overdoses. But, honestly it is only a band aid. A painfully sad and frustrating situation for family members and friends to witness captured bravely in these versus.

[Paul Bell]

I think if you gave someone a glass of petrol, and told them to drink it. They would laugh at you. But the same people would take unknown substances off strangers and take it.

[Karen Redburn]

I know, I don't get it either. Some suggest it is the brains hardwiring that's off. If this is so how/when will a fix be found.

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSh..]

Addiction is defined as a compulsion, something you must do over and over despite the consequences. The consequences will be as big or as small as your demons. This is a brave write, I have seen too many innocent lives destroyed. It is one thing when it has a distance it is devastating when its a family member and you have a front row seat to their demise. You have done a great job showing the relationship of addiction and it's most likely end.

Sheer Terror

[Paul Bell]

Yeah, i think alcohol and cigarettes are still the biggest killers. Drugs just seem to kill quicker.

[Einstein Noodle]

its an epidemic .. the strength in your story is the friend who stood by ..helpless ..but there for her .. its poignant to me that tho "she" in my mind dies alone .. her friend Kelly finds her in the morning .. caring ... still helpless..i like how you name Kelly and give her more personality in it ..yet "she" remains universal and expresses that this situation is far more expansive .. "she" kind of represents all women addicts ..tweeks the social conscience a bit more that way ... :(
E.

[Paul Bell]

It definitely is a lonely end. Usually started through leisure. But ending in heartache.

[Einstein Noodle]

:( ...yes :((

[Gee]

Never got my head around addiction, they all seem to be bad for the individual, apart from sex addiction, yet so many fall prey. You portray, sadly, an all to common occurrence in your own open, forthright style. Happy new year Paul

[Paul Bell]

Never quite got it myself. A hangover is bad enough.

[Ardra]

mmmm a very dark life there... and the struggles once you get into it seem real difficult to overcome them... nicely portrayed..

Your the Pro of darkness themes :P

[Paul Bell]

A dark Pro. Need to put that on my status. lol

[Ardra]

;) hahah..... proud to be dark lol

[Paul Bell]

All things good come in dark packages.
Except my tax bill.

[Ardra]

lol.........
all good things :P

[Lucia]

damn.

powerful piece, the language was perfect and gave it that sharp edge to fit the theme. I really enjoyed this one.

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Lucia.

[Coyote Poetry]

A common story for men and women in the words. The damn drugs steal your comment sense and you shall find death. Your words honest and direct. Thank you Paul for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Paul Bell]

To easy to get hooked these days.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are right. I lost four brothers to drugs and many friends.