Ryan is a young man from Colorado in his early twenties who I met last summer. He read a poem about his addiction to cocaine. It was an act of bravery and as far as I am concerned the poem is a public service. Here are some introductory comments by Ryan and then the poem.

I struggled with a cocaine addiction for a little over a year. As time went on circumstances became worse. But through help, counseling and much prayer I cleaned up and have stayed sober from it. In my pursuit in life as a Christian I am becoming aware that there are many spiritual battles in ones life. That satan will use any means that he can to divert our paths from the Lord. It is not always drugs, or other things that we may associate with being “evil” most often it is the more settle actions and life styles; money, heavy t.v. viewing, eating, jealousy, etc..This poem describes what is taking place in the worldly act and high of cocaine, and the spiritual act that is taking place at the same time.”

“Blown Away”
Ryan Miller

Dusty is the table,
So like the love in my heart.

Sharp is the razor,
Like the words of my tongue.

Hollow is the straw,
Like the vacuum in my eyes.

Numb is my face,
Like the goodness I despise.

Locked is my jaw,
Like a prison for my thoughts.

Rushed is my blood,
Like the draining of my soul.

Short of breath,
Like the shortness of life I explore.

Choosing more,
Choosing a separation from the spiritual core.