Restrospectoscope

My younger self ran a huge karmic debt; everyone saw it but me. For the way that the world worked was to me a big mystery. Not a clue what to do, when my head filled with booze. And I made sure that I got that way often—a guaranteed lose. Thunderheads were on the way, my life they would soon bless A godsend masquerading as a bottomless, horrid mess. If you can’t fight your way out, then you look to above. If you can’t handle it all yourself, then it’s time for love. Years later, I walked every day to work, for the head space, mainly. Working at Ivy Fancy-Pants U Hospital, where I was training. Every day I walked by a house of ten or so men, grubby, smoking, Shuffling. Dual-diagnosis? Rehab? You see, I’m not joking When I say that I’ve been there. Yes, me, a doc working hard Has had plug in the jug for a few twenty-four, but wandered a yard Of a house like that, wondering if I would ever get on the ball Or if I would forever live huddled, hamstrung, in free-fall. Way back then--for one day, hour, moment at a time, I took the leap That moving my feet steadily in the right direction would keep Me sober, get me sane, find me a place in the world, and love. All true now, after much time, effort, faith, thank the heavens above. I’ve been with my soul mate for approaching 24 years, married almost 20. 3 wonderful kids, two pets, one job, several hobbies, plenty. I’m an energized perpetual motion machine, and so is my wife. Our home is not just a base, but a basecamp for our life. 4/2/16 For contest: Who ARE You? Sponsor: Catie Lindsey