crumpled 20’s are your lifeline
I watch you as you fall
syringe debris surrounds your orbit
you could have had it all.
you try and hide beneath your hoodie
still I see the broken doll
OhGodohGod I grieve your choices
you could have had it all.
I hold my palm to greasy plexi
braced back against the grimy wall
OhGodohGod what happened here?
you could have had it all.
collect!collect!collect!collect!
the robo-voice says when you call
from the latest detention facility.
(I resist the ringing phone !
I pretend that I’m not home !
My tears burn as they flow free !
I pray to God someday you’ll see !)
You could have had it all.
And you still can.
Cheating or not...you are a master at word craft! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThey all could have had it all. And still some of those won't ever have it again. Its their demon, their path, and we can only try to help them, unfortunately its their life to choose their destiny.
ReplyDeleteWell written Jenny. I felt that edge of desperation in the words.~Ames
This could have been written for so many family members who have to stand by, support, push away, hold close, visit in detention centres and accompany their loved ones to detox.
ReplyDeleteYou've done it again. Bang on.
My heart aches for the people involved. This would make a beautiful song.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is heartbreaking when stuff likes this happens and you are the one that is trying to support.
ReplyDeleteGreat writing. Oh, it is your prompt, you do as you like. ta-hee
~Naila Moon
http://writing-out-of-the-blue.blogspot.com/2012/06/having-it-alla-story-106-words-only.html
I hear this set to music. I don't know current singers but, having watched American Idol, I could see Phillip doing this, with an ache in his voice. Cuts like a knife...
ReplyDeleteSounds like there might be some experience behind these words, in which case I have sympathy, empathy and, as always, admiration.
ReplyDeleteI hope this is the past talking...not the present or future. xo
ReplyDeleteI know this was very heartfelt for you to write, Jenny. I am always praying that those who could have ahad it all, someday will! Never lose hope. {{{hugs}}}
ReplyDeleteYour poem is full of insight; a snapshot into the pain experienced by the ones who can only watch, wait and support, wishing things had been different!
ReplyDeleteVery poignant. Moving take on the prompt.
ReplyDeleteA true tale for some...very precise in your word gathering this round!
ReplyDeletewow Jenny.. this is very good.
ReplyDeletexo
I wish there were better places for our friends and family when they become addicted. I wish our first instincts weren't to punish those that are weak and sick. I think many animals behave better.
ReplyDeleteJust wonderful, Jenny.
ReplyDeleteExtremely well written.
And so, so tragic.
I wish neither of us knew how tragic.
Hugs,
S.
PS. On a brighter note, I am meeting the other Sue for lunch today! And maybe her daughters, too.
This is so sad but well written. Too bad many of us have had this experience.
ReplyDeleteWords straight from the heart. Achingly direct.
ReplyDeleteExtremely sad...but written so beautifully.
ReplyDeletexo
Wow, that was pretty deep...and painful. Nicely done.
ReplyDelete