Let's Set Our Children Free
21st Century
She took the picture from the wall as tears ran down her cheek,
Then showed the picture all around as she began to speak.
"I'm here to tell her story folks, I feel it should be told,
About this girl with eyes of brown and hair with streaks of gold."
"My one and only daughter, who at sixteen years of age,
Just loved to meet up with her friends, to party and to rage.
It filled my heart with happiness to see her so content,
So filled with joy, just loving life and yet so innocent."
"I noticed little changes and told John of my worst fear;
Her grades had dropped quite rapidly while friends she held so dear,
No longer came to visit her; she lived like a recluse.
This once outgoing cheerful girl would say, 'Oh, what's the use.'"
"I sensed the mood swings in her life, though thought it alcohol,
But something far more sinister exacted its cruel toll.
How did she meet this demon? Was it given by a friend?
With offerings of splendid times and fun which would not end."
"This monster is infecting all our unsuspecting youth.
It stole my daughter's future and it hid from her the truth.
It's brazen, lurking day and night for everyone to see,
Attacks the inexperienced and robs them of life's glee."
"This demon is assisted by a predator that's vile,
Who seeks a life of pleasure, one of comfort and of style.
With luring words so honey sweet, without a thought or care;
He preys upon the innocent, our youth he does ensnare."
"Her habit then demanded that she stole from friends and me,
She plotted, schemed and shunned the truth and lied so blatantly.
No longer talked or reasoned for her mind could just not see
The downwards spiral she was on, I watched on hopelessly."
"Then came the hardest moment, when I asked my girl to leave,
As no solution could be found, but how my soul did grieve.
She slept at night in squalid squats and sold herself to score,
Until she lost her will to live. I had my girl no more."
"The note read, 'I am sorry Mum for causing so much strife,
I'm tired of hurting those I love, these drugs control my life.
The prayers I offer go unheard or seem that way to me.
Perhaps now I shall find some peace from life's strange mystery.'"
"That's why I've called this meeting here as you have suffered too
And wondered is there anything as parents we can do.
Let's show this demon that we care, let's set our children free.
No more will they all die in vain. Do you folk all agree?"
Winner of serious-written section of the 2000 Australian Bush Poetry Championships, held at Yarrawonga-Mulwala. Inspired by a true life experience.
DayPoems Poem No. 2680
<a href="http://www.daypoems.net/poems/2680.html">Let's Set Our Children Free by Chris Webster</a>
The DayPoems Poetry Collection, www.daypoems.net
Timothy Bovee, editor
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