sara Etgen-Baker Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

image from meadowsoutpatient.com

Poem written for and submitted to "Drugs" poetry contest, Rob Carmack, sponsor, September 10, 2025.

PEDDLING HOPE

PEDDLING HOPE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
a small pill, solace in a blister pack
     legally dispensed by a white coat
          promises relief, a cure, a return to normalcy, 
               a life unburdened from pain and disease. 

the ache returns, however, louder and more insistent
     another pill, then two
          the dosage creeping like a vine. 

a pressed white powder, a crystal shard
     illegally peddled in a dark alley
          promises escape, temporary reprieve, abnormality,
               a life numbed from pain. 

the craving returns, however, the gnawing need
     the body screams, 
          desperately clawing for the next fix. 

addiction cares not about legality~
     the hungry monster gnaws the same
          whether fed by doctor’s script or dealer’s promise.

Big Pharma, a sanitized name
     cartels in suits and white lab coats
          pushing their product with glossy ads. 

the cartel’s hand, a brutal fist
     deals death blows and ruin, 
          pushing their product in seedy places and backstreet alleys. 

one wears a suit, funds politicians,
     smiles on commercials, promises relief from disease.

the other whispers in shadows
     creates transactions based on desperation and fear. 

Big Pharma’s towers gleam, untouchable
     built on prescriptions, on the fine print no one reads.

cartels hide, their dens and caves obscured
     built on blood, dead bodies, and broken dreams.  

how many lives line the pockets of pharmaceutical giants,
     legal drug pushers in suits peddling hope in blister packs?

how many lives line the pockets of backstreet cartels,
     illegal drug pushers in hoodies peddling hope in powder?

Wait! don’t tell me about regulations, about quality control
     when the end result is the same:

bodies chained; minds enslaved
     lives bartered for fleeting highs and ephemeral repose.

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Gershon Wolf September 11, 2025 at 6:20 PM Well, even if we 1,000% disagree with you here, you've written a fine poem, friend. Keep smiling... and keep to that 'natural medication' -- the medication that kept life expectancy under 50 for all of mankind's history 'til the 20th century. ~ Beethoven, Mozart, Hayden, et al... Gershon Wolf September 11, 2025 at 6:26 PM You are beyond gracious, Sara. I'm envious of your temperament. Really. Wish I could be so calm. ~ Gershon sara Etgen-Baker September 11, 2025 at 6:23 PM your comment brought a smile to my face, Gershon. Not sure I agree with what I wrote...just wanted to write something different. Mission accomplished :-) I agree with you about 'natural' medication. have a splendid evening, Sara

Line Gauthier September 10, 2025 at 5:33 PM all good questions ~ serious issues brought forward ~ sara Etgen-Baker September 11, 2025 at 6:17 PM thanks for visiting and commenting :-)

Joe Maverick September 10, 2025 at 12:05 PM A searching piece Sara..Laying as bare As possible the dichotomy of lies the Engineering and deceit, found in the well heeled..And in the seedier sort.? Hold on.!! But they are each sides of satans coins.' Great work.! sara Etgen-Baker September 10, 2025 at 5:29 PM thank you, Joe, for your appreciation of the dichotomy I created within the poem. I'm grateful for your visit and enthusiasm...wishing you a pleasant evening, Sara

Sotto Poet September 10, 2025 at 11:29 AM A group of white-coated drug peddlers known as "Big Pharma" circulates attractive advertisements for their sterile product. Many years ago, government action might have put an end to substance trafficking and consumption. A leadership vacuum will be created if there are too many intelligent, rational people. Disoriented and in pain. Great poem, best for a win sara Etgen-Baker September 10, 2025 at 5:30 PM Grateful for your visit and your insightful words, dear Sotto. Well said. Thanks for stopping by...wishing you a splendid evening, Texas hugs, Sara

Joseph P. DiMino September 10, 2025 at 6:46 AM "Big Pharma, a sanitized name cartels in suits and white lab coats pushing their product with glossy ads." -- Should be in jail, the lot of them. Hell, I have no doubt, they have already earned. Government could have stopped drug peddling and addiction long ago. Too many healthy, thinking minds, is a threat to the wheels of power. Keep them needy. Hurting and confused. Hell awaits most all politicians. We have an honest lot in power now...but look at the blow-back they are receiving. Crucified by a bought and paid for soulless press. A FAV you get! sara Etgen-Baker September 10, 2025 at 5:32 PM I agree with you, Joe....government should've stopping drug peddling and addiction a long time ago...yes, hell awaits many politicians and the souless press! Color me sincerely grateful for the FAVE...means a great deal to me. wishing you a pleasant evening, Sara