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Open Poetry #45
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The What Ifs
| Open Poetry #45 |
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The What Ifs |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State 
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If they could have managed a love that was tough instead of their heart-felt, would it have been enough? They scolded and pleaded for these last few years. They bribed him and shamed him with buckets of tears. The what ifs will haunt them right into their graves. What might they have done more their beloved son to save? Deaf to their pleadings he hastened to thugs who coerced and convinced him to just try their drugs. His best friends enabled and joined in the fun. They're left here forever without their dear son. Dear God had you given him just one more day Might it have been enough to have turned him away From that plunger of death he thought was a friend. Their worst nightmares came true and what ifs never end. By: Joyce |
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| © Copyright 2009 Joyce I Johnson - All Rights Reserved | |||
Alison
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
Joyce, I was left in silence after reading your poem and had to come back to it. I hope that by bringing it to Open more people will read your message - maybe more teenagers will read your message. It's sad and it's powerful. I have buckets of platitudes to say in these times - what I really want to say is you have touched me so many times with your poetry. I know you have overcome great obstacles and heartache. You are a strong woman with a poet's heart. I admire you greatly. I wish I could just sit with you as you tell me of your family and your life - and we could share a pot of tea (then you could teach me how to make that pie crust that you promised to teach me). As it is now, I can only sit and read your poetry and reach out to you with words in email or on these pages. Please know that I think of you often. Your poetry has delighted me and made me cry. You have inspired me with the example you set, the stories you tell and the abilities you have to write them through your poems. I think of you - and if I had a magic wand, I'd make this time all right again for your family. Love, Alison |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Dear Alison, What a wonderful response. I do hope that his tragedy will help someone and we need to get the information out to these experimenting young folks how fast it can destroy them. Thanks for reading dear Alison. Love, Joyce |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Oh, dear Joyce, I have thought of you often since leaning of the tragic death of your great-grandson. We all have been hit by the "What Ifs" after something has gone wrong in our life. What could we have done differently? I should have done this ~ I should have done that... All the self-berating just adds to one's misery and it cannot change what has happened. It would appear as though his parents were fighting an up-hill battle with him. Your moving poem brought the tears to my eyes again. I truly feel for you all. God bless and may you all be given some peace of mind.  Linda |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Thank you, dear Joyce, for this very impressive poem, that really reaches into the heart. May it be read by many and may it help to understand how this tremendous plague can destroy young lives in no time. And for the parents and loved ones the pain will never end, as they all continue to wonder how it could ever happen. I admire you, dear Joyce, for being able to speak up, thus contributing to keep young people away from this deathly addiction. Love and hugs. Margherita  |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Your unanswered questions linger behind. Your gripping poem touches one to the core It is so sad and yet your verses are replete with a warm and deep abiding love. Thank you for opening your heart to us With love Liz |
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brneyedgrly Senior Member
since 2009-06-08
Posts 1125nowhere and everywhere |
God bless your heart, Joyce.. Shellie |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
A sad but a very beautiful poem dear Joyce That really touiches the heart strings. Well written dear Lady. Thanks for sharing. Love and a big hug. Lindsay |
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Oklahoma Rose Senior Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 1586Oklahoma USA |
Joyce, this is so sad. You have touched my heart with this poem. As with Alison, I have always admired you and the way you write. |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
So sad, Joyce, I hardly know anyone who hasn't been touched by this tragedy, in one way or another, and it just seems to be getting worse evryday. It is so easy for the young ones to fall into this trap as they haven't really developed the judgement it takes to avoid it in many cases. So sorry for you and your family. Hugs, Ida |
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Roniece Dawson-Bruce Member Ascendant
since 2000-01-29
Posts 5689Sydney, Australia |
yes, you have touched my heart too dear Joyce.. sending you  from Paris..wonderful writing.. RDB Be kind at heart....for everyone you meet has their own battle to fight......... |
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Artic Wind Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080Realm of Supernatural |
Heartfelt write dearest Joyce I'm sending hugs and prayers your way. ARCTIC WIND |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Thanks to all of you for your wonderfully kind responses. We are healing. Love, Joyce |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
Joyce, I think we do the best we can and hope that "our children" take our teachings seriously knowing that it is our love for them that makes us want the best for them...and I think there will always be "what ifs" that will never be answered. My thoughts are with you and your family and friends~~ M |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
Joyce, I have been blessed with two almost 30 year old children who haven't traveled the road you so poignantly depict in this piece, and their children are yet young enough that it hasn't been presented to them, although I worry that my 7-year old grandaughter is well within the devil's reach. A very timely and caringly well written piece this is my friend... my heart to you and yours... jimmy |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Fine writing...James |
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