Matter of Perception

The difference between an addict and a patient is society's perception.

A statement that provokes a mixed reception.

But people who fall into that position,

Use drugs to treat underlying conditions,

Without the means to fulfill a prescription,

Or see a Doctor to get their medication,

Before it’s too late to prevent devastation.

We didn’t set out to wreck our lives,

Or Lose our cars, our kids, our wives,

Or wake up with hives,

Or get kicked out of dives,

Or stay alive,

We didn’t want to need revived,

We didn’t want to BE revived.

And those of us that make it out,

Live with our scars and marks and doubt,

From others that can’t see our route,

Who can’t understand what we talk about,

Who only know they’ve been without,

The person that we were throughout,

Until that seed begins to sprout.

But those of us that lose the game,

End up buried with our shame,

While our loved ones feel the stain,

And look at our lives in wrapped disdain,

Regretting what they may have gained,

If only a heart could beat again.