Home » Poems » Gregory Richard Barden » Dance With a Demoness

Gregory Richard Barden | + Follow Poet |

Dance With a Demoness

Poet's Notes

(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Gregory Richard Barden.

Image result for victory over drugs

* Saying "no" to drugs ... is it that simple? Yes, it is, but it is NOT easy. Yet know this, the most difficult things you go through in life, are the things that will make you the strongest ... unless you let them defeat you, of course. *

_______________________________________________

I am not defined by addiction ... Yes, it has certainly altered my course, And I sacrificed much to that demoness over time, For she is dressed with heavenly garb and sings in a sweet tongue, So sweet, at times, that you can hear nothing else ... Melodious lies so delicious and fair, that you would give your sanity Just for them to tremble your tympans one more time. And your sanity is JUST what she takes ... first. For over thirty years I shared my bed with that she-devil, Welcomed her into my life and lair with a wide embrace, And watched in apathetic stupor, as she took all I cared about and loved. But LOVE, itself, was my reclamation and release ... Love from WITHIN ... a tender seed that had been planted long before, Attended to and nurtured by loved-ones from my earliest memory, Brought to blossom in strength, with integrity and kind regard. Say what you will about me, I've heard it all and more, (deservedly so), But I am stronger, wiser, kinder, more loving, and more appreciative of life, Than I ever would have been, had I not spent that time in hell, Or tasted the duplicitous, deceitful kiss of that seductress, Looked in the face of death and ruin, and said, simply ... "NO!" ~ 1st Place ~ in the "You Are Not Defined By" Poetry Contest, John Hamilton, Judge & Sponsor.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

John Watt

Date: 7/11/2020 6:44:00 PM

Greg, I admire your courage in being painfully honest and opening up your past to a broad audience. Who you are comes from who you have been and what you have done, and it is your story; nothing to be ashamed of. You have overcome and triumphed over this addiction, you have learned lessons, and you are now in a position of authenticity from which you can reach others. I think this is a great write of immense humanity, and deserves its place on your top 10 list. Blessings, brother ~ John

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 7/13/2020 1:44:00 AM

(2) There is still a great deal of work to be done to undo the huge amount of misunderstanding that exists with substance abuse, and the more it's written (and talked) about, the better. I want people to see me and know that there IS victory over it, and there IS the very real chance of getting across that bridge. Blessings, My Friend! :o)

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 7/13/2020 1:42:00 AM

(1) Thank you for your keen insight and discernment, John, you are a rare and valued friend, with a gifted acumen for understanding and the frailties of the human spirit ... and thank you also for not judging me harshly - I am not proud of my issues with opiates, but I AM proud of the fact that I didn't let them claim me, and have used the experience to become stronger and wiser in ways ...

Line Gauthier

Date: 5/24/2020 12:03:00 AM

Wow ~ a most astounding clash of raw emotion and refined delivery. A very powerful write. Congrats !

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 5/24/2020 2:32:00 AM

Many kind thanks for this marvelous comment, Line - it means a lot! Blessings! <3

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 12/29/2018 3:54:00 PM

It is so brave to reveal such a personal struggle, congratulations, well earned!

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 12/30/2018 9:59:00 PM

Thank you so much, Michelle, that's very sweet of you ... I have written about it before, but not quite so clearly. This is a topic that needs more exposure, and I plan to do my part, whatever others may think. Folks need to know that you CAN overcome it, with love and understanding and GRACE. Blessings, my friend! :-) <3

Brian Davey

Date: 12/29/2018 2:37:00 PM

Definitely a powerful meaning behind your write, so very personal and it drips with the truth. Congrats

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 12/30/2018 9:57:00 PM

That's very kind of you, Brian, and I so greatly appreciate your comments and understanding ... this is something that needs to be discussed far more than it IS, and I plan to be part of that effort. Blessings, my friend! :-)

Alexis Y.

Date: 12/29/2018 9:12:00 AM

WoW! Greg, This is a good write. I loved it from start to finish. I see some one who was determined to rise above addition. Congratulations on your 1st place win. It was well deserved:-) Alexis

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 12/30/2018 9:55:00 PM

Thank you so very much, Alexis, and bless you for not judging me or thinking less of me ... I believe there is a positive purpose in ALL we go through, and that I am stronger for it, and far wiser, with an insight now to help others, and let them know that you CAN beat it. Blessings, Dear Friend! :-) <3

John Hamilton

Date: 12/29/2018 8:55:00 AM

Loved every word Greg, glad to see that addiction does not define you, we all make mistakes but obviously you have learned well from yours. Thanks for sharing YOU, congrats on a shared first place.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 12/30/2018 9:53:00 PM

Thank you so very much, John ... I'm sure some people will think differently of me after reading this, but I am the stronger for all of it, and I am not ashamed of my battle OR the victory I've claimed over it. It is part of who I am. (And I have written about it before, though perhaps not as directly). Blessings, my friend! :-)

Nette Onclaud

Date: 12/28/2018 3:22:00 PM

knowing your boundaries is a testament to your morals, greg...uplifting read!... huggs

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 12/30/2018 9:51:00 PM

Thank you so very much, Nette ... and for not judging me. I have turned my "problem" around to help others, so I believe it was for a reason. Blessings! :-) <3