This story was first published on August 29, 2013
Outline:
Message featuring a poem illustrating the danger and destructive nature of the drug meth claims that the poem was written by a young meth-addicted girl in jail who later died of a drug overdose.
Brief Analysis:
While the poem does present a compelling picture of the dangers associated with methamphetamine use, it was not written by a young meth addict as claimed. Nor did its writer later die of a drug overdose. In fact, the original version of the poem was written by an adult woman and mother, Samantha Reynolds, and was first published back in the year 2000. Reynolds reports that she has never used meth herself.
“I AM METH”This was written by a young girl who was in jail for drug charges, and was addicted to meth. She wrote this while in jail. As you will soon read, she fully grasped the horrors of the drug, as she tells in this simple, yet profound poem. She was released from jail, but, true to her story, the drug owned her. They found her dead not long after, with the needle still in her arm….
Please understand, this thing is worse than any of us realize…
My Name Is “Meth” I destroy homes, I tear families apart, take your children, and that’s just the start.
I’m more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold,
The sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.
If you need me, remember I’m easily found,
I live all around you – in schools and in town.
I live with the rich; I live with the poor,
I live down the street, and maybe next door.
I’m made in a lab, but not like you think,
I can be made under the kitchen sink.
In your child’s closet, and even in the woods,
If this scares you to death, well it certainly should.
I have many names, but there’s one you know best,
I’m sure you’ve heard of me, my name is crystal meth.
My power is awesome; try me you’ll see,
But if you do, you may never break free.
Just try me once and I might let you go,
But try me twice, and I’ll own your soul.
When I possess you, you’ll steal and you’ll lie,
You do what you have to — just to get high.
The crimes you’ll commit for my narcotic charms
Will be worth the pleasure you’ll feel in your arms,
your lungs your nose.
You’ll lie to your mother; you’ll steal from your dad,
When you see their tears, you should feel sad.
But you’ll forget your morals and how you were raised,
I’ll be your conscience, I’ll teach you my ways.
I take kids from parents, and parents from kids,
I turn people from God, and separate friends.
I’ll take everything from you, your looks and your pride,
I’ll be with you always — right by your side.
You’ll give up everything – your family, your home,
Your friends, your money, then you’ll be alone.
I’ll take and take, till you have nothing more to give,
When I’m finished with you, you’ll be lucky to live.
If you try me be warned – this is no game,
If given the chance, I’ll drive you insane.
I’ll ravish your body, I’ll control your mind,
I’ll own you completely, your soul will be mine.
The nightmares I’ll give you while lying in bed,
The voices you’ll hear, from inside your head.
The sweats, the shakes, the visions you’ll see,
I want you to know, these are all gifts from me.
But then it’s too late, and you’ll know in your heart,
That you are mine, and we shall not part.
You’ll regret that you tried me, they always do,
But you came to me, not I to you.
You knew this would happen, many times you were told,
But you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.
You could have said no, and just walked away,
If you could live that day over, now what would you say?
I’ll be your master, you will be my slave,
I’ll even go with you, when you go to your grave.
Now that you have met me, what will you do?
Will you try me or not? It’s all up to you.
I can bring you more misery than words can tell,
Come take my hand, let me lead you to hell.
If you care enough, please forward this profound poem and share the deadly outcome of this drug that is killing our young kids young and old…
Look at her picture and see what it does.
Detailed Analysis:
This long-circulated poem discusses the dangers associated with the use of the drug “meth” (methamphetamine). The message that features the poem claims that it was written by a young meth addict while she was in jail. According to the message, she was found dead of a drug overdose not long after she was released. The message includes a picture supposedly depicting the young author. Some versions claim that the author was a “young Indian girl” rather than just a “young girl”.
The poem does work well as a cautionary tale and has been published via innumerable anti-drug websites, forums and media articles. However, the backstory that usually accompanies the poem has no factual basis.
The poem was not written by a young girl in prison nor was its author a drug addict. The poet did not die of a drug overdose as claimed. Nor was she Indian. And the image that accompanies this version of the message does not depict the author.
In fact, the poem was written in the year 2000 by Samantha Reynolds of LeFlore County Oklahoma, an adult woman and mother. According to Snopes.com, Reynolds had never used – or even seen – meth herself but had seen the effects of meth addiction first hand. The poem was published in The Heavener Ledger, in September 2000 and was originally titled “Ms. Crystal Meth”.
Since then, several slightly different versions of the poem have circulated. And, predictably, a number of people have claimed the poem as their own. Nevertheless, Samantha’s claim to authorship stands and is well documented.
In fact, the poem is compelling enough in its own right and its message is certainly not enhanced in any way by the silly story that has been attached to it. And Samantha Reynolds deserves to be credited as the author of the piece.
Original Source : https://www.hoax-slayer.net/i-am-meth-poem/