Notes About The Poem

God Bless the Usa

I smoked a pack of Marlboros 
Every day, left butts smoldering
In dirty, smelly ashtrays
The nicotine addiction compelled 
Me to quit… yet, I did not
I smoked until there was only
Short, spasmic breaths
Left in my black lungs
And oxygen had to be taken aside
So I could light up

I drank a fifth of vodka
Every day, left empty glasses
In a sink that hesitated
To risk the flood of last drops
Being washed away with Dawn
And the tears that poured 
Down cheeks who knew
I was an alcoholic who couldn’t
Quench my thirst with anything
That didn’t say 90 proof

I swallowed a Percocet every time
The pain that pierced my heart
With regrets, remorse, remembrances
Started to edge between me
And the familiar feeling of numbness
That comes from taking a pill
Every time the feeling that rises inside
Feels like you have been slapped
With the truth, the facts, the reality
Coming alive without that 10 mg capsule

The addiction flowed through me in waves
Caressing the beach of my thoughts
Like a sea laps at the sandy shore with 
The familiar touch of hope for the sun
Who will light up, with rays, hues of gold
Whispering through the morning 
Embracing the pastel shells and mysterious
Swells of ocean water, pushing against the beach
Like a gentle hand will push against my habits
With the knowledge that this dependence is vile

I clasp hands with the truth when I take a breath
And look up at the heavens with a broken heart
Who listens to the words that come alive inside
When the heavenly Father looks down at me
The child who is drifting on waves of sin and shame
And, in a still small voice speaks… 

Even the richest, most blessed nation can pray
For redemption.. just have faith,

God bless the USA and AAA
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Agustin Avatar
January 25, 2022 at 8:56 PM
Congrats! Thanks so much for sharing your heart through this dramatic monologue of yours earnestly expressed and courageously declared in your excellent poetic style. Indeed, thanks for your participation. God bless you.
Ibeh Avatar
March 14, 2021 at 6:22 AM
Thank you so much for participating in my Biting Satire, Regina. I just had to find this poem as it saddened me to cut it. If only it had MORE bite to it:-( But I love it enough to FAV it. Have a blessed day, my friend!
Mcintosh Avatar
March 15, 2021 at 6:47 AM
Thank you... and don't worry about cutting it.. not everyone can place :) Love and prayers, Gina
Buhagiar Avatar
February 13, 2021 at 4:09 AM
I think it needs more than a blessing from what I read on the internet. But you deserve great blessings, I'm sure. ~~
Logan Avatar
February 13, 2021 at 3:51 AM
Gina, I read this twice and it's awesome. "...clasp hands with the truth..." Very well written are your thoughts on addictions and the cure.
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