Salinas,

Those who do not live it 

Think of John Steinbeck and lettuce

Those who do live it

Know of drugs

Violence

Social Injustice 

I look around, 

I see children 

Chugging liquior

Like water 

Popping pills 

Meant for mental patients

What can one do?

It's the life you fall into

Living in a town 

Where you are expected to fail

I sit

In disgust 

In confusion

In hopelessness

The need for change is obvious

But it is ignored

How do I help my peers?

How do I change lives?

How do I prevent future addicts?

I do not know

Many do not know

So the cycle of destruction continues

Drugs

Crime

Drugs

Crime

Talented souls

Demolished by the alcohol  

Abused by pills

Stomped on by adults

Who have given up 

On the idea 

Of change