.

They said it’s just for fun tonight,

A way to chase the chill—

All around the city block

People chasing thrill—

Up and down, then fade to black,

Pop goes the pill.

.

No one sees the warning signs,

The silence loud and still—

Corner store or bathroom stall,

Doesn’t take much skill—

Smile wide, then lose it all,

Pop goes the pill.

. .

.

She danced beneath fluorescent lights,

With dreams she couldn't fill—

Late-night buzz, a hazy trip,

Just one more refill—

Heartbeats skip and eyelids drip,

Pop goes the pill.

.

Parents cry behind closed doors,

Their voices lost and shrill—

Fun turns fast to something worse,

Chasing every chill—

Doctor’s note or dealer’s purse,

Pop goes the pill.

Ashes fall on empty streets,

Where time stands cold and still—

And somewhere another youngster dies…

Pop goes the pill.

.