Eight Years of Sobriety

Eight years since I picked up a drink,
rock bottom hit me
           as hard as a wall-
I’ve had ninety-six months to reflect and think,
but before you run you 
            have to learn how to crawl. 

There’s no cure for addiction, I had an allure for affliction-
Healing comes in time when you surrender the prescription.
   
Without the desire to swallow a pill,
without the craving of feeling desperate,
          I’ve realized the only 
space I needed to fill, 
was the hole where I was inconsiderate. 

Eight years since I carried selfish greed,
       not thinking about my 
daughter in her youth-
I wasn’t there for her every little need,
I regret that everyday…
             ...honest to God truth. 


Letting go of my fears filled my soul with crimson tears-
Pleading for atonement brought my faith back in each moment. 

There’s no cure for a hard habit to break,
just a choice to stay in remission-
       So many hard steps I have had to take,
and taken many a walk into submission. 

My fears washed away-
     the night has given me day.
Healing comes in time when
     you understand it’s only God’s way.

Through faith and prayer I’ve learned to care
about myself and the ones whom I hurt badly-
Life isn’t whole with an addicted soul,
and the depth of honesty I’ve learned…sadly.

Eight years since I left my old life,
time flies, 
        yet yesterday seems so near-
Now I focus on being a good mother and wife,
and bestow my serenity to... 
                       ...those I hold dear.




Eight years ago today was the beginning of
my wonderful life. I suffered from addiction for 
many years and fought hard and overcame so
many obstacles. Sure, I have regrets but more 
joy to fill the hole I used to have in my heart.
I was 29 when I got sober and I am grateful I 
was so young. Now I have the rest of my life
to live healthy, moderately and happily...
May God bless the afflicted...



March 7, 2017
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Johnson Avatar
March 8, 2017 at 8:07 PM
My dear young lady Laura. Your story is so penetrating and speaks to the power of redemption. Full speed ahead my friend. Untold blessings await you. Much luv. Curtis
Leiser Avatar
March 8, 2017 at 3:56 PM
Beautiful confessional poem, and congrats on your sobriety...we are all the more blessed with your gifts of poetic expression Laura Loo! Thank you :)
Hamilton Avatar
March 8, 2017 at 1:09 PM
Congrats Laura on a great poem and a great accomplishment!
B. Avatar
March 8, 2017 at 9:30 AM
Congratulations! It can't be easy kicking an addiction. Loved the poem and the peace you have found within yourself. All the best :)
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace