DEAR ABBY: A good friend of mine wrote the enclosed poem for his daughter. After she read it, she managed to get off cocaine.
I just found out that my daughter has been using cocaine. I am sending her a copy. I hope it will also help her. Abby, I pray that you will put this in your column, which I read every day. God bless you always. -- AN ARIZONA READER
DEAR READER: I pray the message of this poem will inspire your daughter and other cocaine users to quit:
MY NAME IS COCAINE by Larry Jackson
My name is Cocaine -- call me coke for short.
I entered this country without a passport.
Ever since then I've made lots of scum rich.
Some have been murdered and found in a ditch.
I'm more valued than diamonds, more treasured than gold.
Use me just once and you too will be sold.
I'll make a schoolboy forget his books.
I'll make a beauty queen forget her looks.
I'll take a renowned speaker and make him a bore.
I'll take your mother and make her a whore.
I'll make a teacher forget how to teach.
I'll make a preacher not want to preach.
I'll take all your rent money and you'll be evicted.
I'll murder your babies, or they'll be addicted.
I'll make you rob, and steal, and kill.
When you're under my power, you will have no will.
Remember, my friend, my name is "Big C."
If you try me one time, you may never be free.
I've destroyed many actors, politicians and heroes.
I've decreased bank accounts from millions to zero.
I'll make shootings and stabbings a common affair.
Once I take charge, you won't have a prayer.
Now that you know me, what will you do?
You'll have to decide -- it's all up to you.
Listen to me, and please listen well,
When you ride with Cocaine, you're headed for HELL.