Poison

Poison

Although my time was not yet fit,

I boldly took a sip of it.

The taste was not of one to savor,

In truth it was a horrid flavor.

I drank the mix to kill the pain,

Of sorrows past which brought no gain.

Though now I'm having second thoughts,

As I grow faint from inner knots.

I drop the cup that did me in,

For now my head is in a spin.

From this cruel fate that I had chosen,

I lost my life to deadly poison.

Background: "Poison" was written just over a year ago for American Literature class. The piece received an "A", but also got me into a bit of trouble... After turning in the poem for evaluation, my literature teacher interpreted the poem as though I was actually suicidal! A major "oops" on my part. Maybe next time I write a downcast poem on poison drinking, I will remember to write it in third person. Ironically, the teacher held a brief meeting with my parents to ensure that I was not suicidal. My mother of course affirmed to the teacher that the poem was strictly fictional. Although the piece is perfect in meter and rhyme scheme, "Poison" received only an "A" due to the dark/disturbing subject. Once again to clarify, the piece was written as an assignment for literature class with NO predetermined background pretext! If you have been paying attention to any of my previous works, you will clearly see that I have a deep appreciation for life.

Sadness is simply an emotion I enjoy attempting to evoke at times.

Basics: "Poison" details a man who chooses to commit suicide after overwhelming worldly burdens overpower his thoughts. At first, the drinking of poison appears very appealing to the man, but he soon realizes upon drinking the mix, that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. The man is filled with regret as his final moments come and go in a flash.

Thank you for reading! Please feel free to comment and criticize. I welcome all feedback.

~Jacob P. Hartges