I lost everything I had, including my veins.

I was a liar, a thief, and even a cheat.

Over and over, these things I would repeat.

I cared for no one, not even myself.

I had warnings, but my ears were deaf.

Drugs take over your senses, and even your mind.

You don’t realize you’re selfish and unkind.

There are several places this can lead:

Death, insanity hospitals, but mostly I went to jail.

I began to realize I had created my own hell.

But now,

I thank God that I can see.

Drinking, drugging, living in sin — that’s not for me.

I was on that trip so very long.

Now it’s over.  My God has kept me strong.

God put me back on the right track.

I will continue to go forward and never look back. 

by Rosie Willingham  (Written while in jail 1989.)