Street Song

The Guardian is partnering with Mixmag to carry out what is hoped to be the biggest and most thorough survey on drug use.  It's completely anonymous, and you can find it here: http://www.globaldrugsurvey.com/mixmag2012/      While some drugs are legal and easy to get hold of....   ... others, including some that are much more harmful than alcohol and tobacco, are illegal (for more information on the relative harmfulness of different drugs, check out the writings of Professor David Nutt, someone I very much admire, and the findings of the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs).  Currently, we find ourselves in the position of spending a ridiculous amount of money on an unrealistic and unwinnable war on drugs, in my opinion.  People will continue to use drugs, even if they can be harmful.  This is a fact.  Why? Street Song, by Thom Gunn.  Read it here: http://allpoetry.com/poem/8506797-Street_Song-by-Thom_Gunn  (NB: a 'key' is a kilogram, and a 'lid' is an ounce of weed) Until a radical move towards legalisation and regulation is introduced, we produce characters such as the drug dealer in this poem.  What I like about this poem is that it shows a few of the attractions of using particular drugs.  He offers 'five days of power'!  I'd like five days of power.  Screw that, I'd be happy with just one.  And how about something that can make me feel sharper while at the same time soothing me, as hash is described?  Great.  Alcohol sometimes soothes, but generally makes me fuzzy, not sharper.  'Join me and see the world I sell' - taking drugs can bring you into a different world.  For some, that's hugely tempting. So is the ability to be 'whichever self you choose'.   People don't tend to do the same thing again and again if they don't see a benefit from it in some way.  'Just say no' hasn't worked and there is still a huge demand for illegal drugs; if we want to be realistic about drugs policy, Midday Mick from this poem gives us some insight into why he and his fellow dealers have profitable businesses and a steady stream of customers. Reply Forward