Addiction Poem by Liilia Talts Morrison

Addiction is a painful thing
Black widow with a cruel sting
It treats a gentle, loving man
Like refuse in a garbage can

Addiction is a painful thing
A broken bottle shattering
A rasping voice, a swollen throat
That once sang songs of finest note

Addiction is a painful thing
It picks the brightest for its ring
The tender hopes of youthful sons
Are darkened till there's no more sun

Addiction is a painful thing
A raptor's iron claw and wing
The rage and agony it brings
So carelessly on sidewalks flings

Addiction is a painful thing
Black widow with a cruel sting
It treats a gentle, loving man
Like refuse in a garbage can.