Editor, Times-Union: My name is Stephanie Shepherd, DOC #214006. I am currently incarcerated at Madison Correctional Facility – IDOC/MCU/FNU - 31, 800 Bus Stop Dr., Madison IN 47250.
I got three years for possession of methamphetamine. I spent the last 12 years of my life only caring about getting high. I am 33 years old and once upon a time I was a good person and mother; enter meth, exit Steph. I wrote this poem I enclosed about the person I was on meth. It’s an evil drug and nearly destroyed me. I am now in GRIP, a therapeutic community where I have learned so much. Today I choose to live.
I very much would like the poem I wrote printed in your paper, perhaps it will impact somebody, maybe get through to even one person.
Thank you. Stephanie Shepherd Madison
Steph or Meth? Staying up for weeks at a time, coherent thoughts no longer mine I have to choose - Steph or meth? Putting poison in my veins, letting go of the reins I need to choose - Steph or meth? In and out of jails, my teeth rotting, my skin pales I cannot choose - Steph or meth? I no longer know the truth, if you ask me I will lie, I know every excuse and all the reasons why I have to choose - Steph or meth? If I want it I will take it, I’d rob even my mother, if I need a fix I’m gonna get it, one way or another I need to choose - Steph or meth? Ignoring my kids, I’m never in the mood, not caring if they have clean clothes, homework done or food I have to choose - Steph or meth? I’ve ruined every chance I was ever given, lost every home that we ever lived in I need to choose - Steph or meth? 10 years of marriage didn’t stand a chance, I wrecked a happy home without a backward glance Make a choice - Steph or meth? From the dreams of the child I was, to the reality of what this drug does Will I have a future? I choose Steph.
