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Loss Ridden-Out

Contest, Lost, Sponsor, Craig Cornish, Date 6/23/2025 When friends suggested, “Try cocaine!” Mike’s “No” would reckon choice. His mom ignored this new campaign; rebuff became Mike’s voice. Having seen what crack does to his mom, Mike felt no peer sway, but still stayed stranger to the world of common sense; he started drinking to excess. Long gone, his dad had been a souse and likely binges yet. Young Mike had lost this selfish louse through years of mixed regret. In time, mom met her bitter end wrapping her car around a pole. Shaken, Mike awoke to faith in God; struggling, he echoed “No!” to booze. Parental hindrance gone, Mike gained perception, things unknown like pardon, patience, peace unfeigned, like purpose fully-grown.

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Ghairo Daniels

Date: 7/8/2025 10:56:00 AM

Lucky Mike ! Lovely rhyme. Powerful light verse, Reason A. Says much about life. x.

Reason A. Poteet
Date: 7/10/2025 5:32:00 AM

Doubtless a pre-determined destiny..thanks Ghairo for reading and providing a positive reply to my Loss Sustained. You never know (for sure), until you find out. I appreciate you.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 7/6/2025 5:22:00 AM

Great! Funny how you can say, “no,” but then “yes” to another substance. Generational curses are hard to break.

Reason A. Poteet
Date: 7/8/2025 10:24:00 AM

Likely done more often than not - trading one no-no for another. Based on a situation I am familiar with; but I still wonder a generation further back of which I know little. You are right, heredity vs. environment...both hard to deal with. Thanks for commenting, Kim. I appreciate it.

Ink Empress

Date: 6/26/2025 2:56:00 AM

This is something we see so common in so many places and in so many families unfortunately, peer pressure and despite having seen and experienced what abuse and addiction could do to one through their environment some tend to fall into the trap of addiction to learn much later the consequences and how badly it could affect: youv written on an important subject and delivered your poem so seamlessly! A very impactful poem it is dear poetic soul! Sending you light always

Reason A. Poteet
Date: 6/26/2025 6:33:00 PM

I thank you Ink Empress for your positive, uplifting reply. As a former teacher, I've seen too many examples of parents who should never have been blessed with children. Like you say, not all turn away from the poor example of addiction from their parents.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 6/24/2025 11:27:00 AM

He finally learned the lesson he needed in his life. very nice!

Reason A. Poteet
Date: 6/25/2025 7:21:00 AM

thanks, a lost soul is waiting to find out or be found. Poetry helps with that process sometimes.