By Denys Bloke, Holbeach, Lincolnshire

Such a beautiful child, full of zest and so bright.

Expectations ran high to your mothers delight.

You float with your peers, as soft summer breeze.

Not abandoned, but cherished, by all with such ease.

Young years are a trouble, the pressure so great.

Amid turmoil of growing, the fence has no gate.

Through all those that love you, there is deep concern.

For the advice that is given is there just to learn.

Yet to please all your peers, with one puff of weed.

May gain you a status, among lost sheep that feed.

Your body has grown yet the brains not begun.

And all of the warnings are in some foreign tongue.

To bow to temptation, your reasons not clear.

Looking cool to your mates or some hidden fear.

It's easy to say " I want control of my life".

But to act without wisdom is foolish not bright.

Now the pills and the powder replace puffs of weed.

As the brain calls in anger, for the buzz is now needs.

And the grip that you had on life's treacherous slope.

Is eroded away, through the buzz word that's "dope

Promotion comes easy, this job's not for real.

The pills and the powder soon lose their appeal.

A spoon and a candle become tools of your trade.

And the dart that's a needle, now acts as a spade.

While the highs and lows, extract a punishing toll.

The rollercoaster you're on, is out of control.

Yet the passenger you carry is patient and calm.

For he's been here before and will come to no harm.

To be found in a corner, so dingy and dark.

Your eyes fixed in stare, as the dart hits its mark.

Unaware of the heartache and pain left behind.

Your actions cut swathes, through the ones that were kind

Now the thing we all dread and don't leave to chance.

When charting our life, from the first steps that dance.

Is to make it a long road, with friends that will last.

Not dance with the Reaper, for you're now in the past.