Mother of an addict poem by DFD Wilkins

 Mother of an Addict  
 
 
I am the mother of an addict
This is not like being a mother of a child with cancer, diabetes, or AIDS;
this is not like being the mother of a child who is serving with honor in a foreign land;
This is not like being the mother of a child who lives no more and is mourned by all. 
  I am the Mother of an Addict 
There are no marathons or fund raisers for this disease;
no sweet girls selling cookies;
There are no flags flying, or bumper stickers to proudly acknowledge my child's deeds; 
There are only tears and silent screams;
what terror will the next knock or phone call bring?
   I am the Mother of an Addict 
I see my child and I am not glad;
for though I ache to save my child;
with relief I let my child go; 
I see my child with fear and suspicion;
as I hear all my child says and I can but endlessly hope; 
I see my child and wonder will I ever know my child again, hold my child again . . . see my child again.
   I am the Mother of an Addict 
They say it is not my fault, that I did nothing wrong, there's little I can do; 
They say it is not my child's fault, just a disease of disgrace with no pity, no cure; 
They say be strong, but my life stands still and my friends and relatives move on;
   I am the Mother of an Addict 
I watch the rest of my family suffer with sorrow and pain through the addiction; 
I watch the evening news and cringe as some addict is arrested and called scum; 
I watch a young person beg for change, for food and know this person could be my own; 
 I am the Mother of an Addict 
I remember my child smiles and look at pictures of my sweet little child; 
I remember the hugs, and kisses, the scrapped knees, the soccer games; 
I remember my child's plans, my child's goals, the beautiful person my child once planned to marry;
   How could I dream this?
How can I believe this?
   OH GOD, HOW DID I NOT KNOW 
I would be the Mother of an Addict!!!!!
--- DFDWilkins---