Riding Out the Loss

When friends suggested, “Try cocaine!”
Mike’s “No” would reckon choice.
His mom ignored his new campaign;
rebuff became Mike’s voice. 
  
Having seen his mom at crack's expense, 
Mike felt all alone and under duress, 
stranger to the world of common sense;
he started drinking to excess.

Long gone, his dad had been a souse
and likely binges somewhere yet.
Young Mike had cursed this selfish louse
through years of mixed regret.

In time, mom met her bitter demise
asleep at the wheel from drug abuse.
Shaken, this event opened Mike's eyes
struggling, he echoed “No!” to booze.
      
Parental hindrance gone, Mike gained
perception, a faith formerly unknown. 
He found pardon, patience, peace unfeigned,
Loss ridden-out, his resolve fully grown. 

but..."the road to success is always under construction."
quote by Lily Tomlin.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Daniels Avatar
July 8, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Lucky Mike ! Lovely rhyme. Powerful light verse, Reason A. Says much about life. x.
Poteet Avatar
July 10, 2025 at 5:32 AM
Doubtless a pre-determined destiny..thanks Ghairo for reading and providing a positive reply to my Loss Ridden-Out. You never know (for sure), until you find out. I appreciate you.
Rodrigues Avatar
July 6, 2025 at 5:22 AM
Great! Funny how you can say, “no,” but then “yes” to another substance. Generational curses are hard to break.
Poteet Avatar
July 8, 2025 at 10:24 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.
Empress Avatar
June 26, 2025 at 2:56 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
Poteet Avatar
June 26, 2025 at 6:33 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 had children. Like you say, not all turn away from the poor example of addiction from their parents.
Dietrich Avatar
June 24, 2025 at 11:27 AM
He finally learned the lesson he needed in his life. very nice!
Poteet Avatar
June 25, 2025 at 7:21 AM
thanks, a lost soul is waiting to find out or be found. Poetry helps with that process sometimes.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace