Gregory Richard Barden | + Follow Poet |
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Second Chance

Flat line ...

Resuscitate, flat line, resuscitate, flat line ...
          and back again ... to sinus rhythm ... to life.
               Three times my heart stopped, and thrice they brought me back.
     It was no one's fault but mine, and it was no surprise ...

I had reached the point where my heart could no longer handle it -
          could no longer process the amount of opioids I was ingesting daily
               just to keep from being sick ... mind, body, emotions,
     So incredibly ill and depressed and anxious, that I could not stand it,

That I would do anything to get away from it ... anything.
          Chronic pain had brought me there, to hell,
               but I stayed of my own account - my own weakness.
     The worst, most appalling thing about it?

That I was so emotionally numb to existence,
          that I didn't even care, or understand how lucky I was to return.
               Before I realized what had happened, I was back in an ambulance,
     on my way to detox and rehab ... for the seventh time.

Except this time was different, this time I didn't walk in,
          it wasn't of my own volition, and I was strapped to a stretcher,
               not for the sake of protocol, but so I couldn't thrash,
     so I wouldn't hurt myself or someone else,

Or do what I felt I needed to in order to get away -
          in order to escape the excruciating effects of withdrawal.
               Little did I know at the time,
     that I had been ... reborn ...

That I had been given a second chance at life,
          a chance that I didn't deserve.
               That was fourteen years ago, and I'm still here,
     proud of the very hard work I've done to get my life back,

Thankful for each moment that I am blessed with,
          and warmed by every ray of sunshine that I'm gifted.
               Something saw fit to keep me around,
     and I pray that I can touch the heart of another who struggles as I did,

To let them know that it is possible,
          possible to cross that seemingly un-crossable span,
               and claim life anew with the grace of Heaven,
     the bright, glistening horizon of hope ...

And the blossoming breath ... of a new day.




~ 1st Place ~  in the "Second Chances" Poetry Contest, Chantelle Anne Cooke, Judge & Sponsor.

Copyright © Gregory Richard Barden | Year Posted 2019

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Panagiota Romios Date: 2/8/2019 12:42:00 PM Hello Gregory! Gratitude keeps recovering addicts on the straight and narrow. Your poem demonstrates that. And I know the battle is daily and an addict cannot be complacent. Keep on, keeping on. A great write, Panagiota Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 1/4/2020 4:39:00 PM Thank you so very much for this kind and thoughtful comment, Panagiota, it is so graciously received and gratefully appreciated! Blessings to you, My Friend! :o) <3

Greg Gaul Date: 1/23/2019 8:14:00 AM Wow! Small wonder you write with such freedom and abandon. Please keep it up. Reach for the stars. You'll make it! Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 1/31/2019 12:27:00 PM Many kind thanks to you, Greg, I greatly appreciate the wonderful comments. Blessings, my friend! :-)

P.S. Awtry Date: 1/22/2019 1:29:00 PM Congratulations! So, happy to see this life affirming, honest, hopeful piece honored! Blessings :) Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 1/31/2019 12:26:00 PM That's very kind of you, PS - thank you so much, my friend! :-) <3

Carolyn Devonshire Date: 1/22/2019 12:24:00 PM It's saddening to read of your struggle, Greg, but I'm happy to know that you overcomed use of pain killers. Clearly, you have rid yourself of those dark days and made to most of having another chance. Congratulations on your win in Chantelle's contest! Best wishes, Carolyn Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 1/31/2019 12:26:00 PM Very kind of you, Carolyn, and I thank you so much for the words of understanding and encouragement - your friendship is such a blessing! :-) <3

Charles Messina Date: 1/21/2019 6:56:00 PM Greg, this in my opinion is worthy of the POTY honors. Such a great write my dear friend. I am so glad and I thank the lord that you are still with us, here, today and hopefully for many, many, many, more tomorrow's. What an inspirational poem, one that should be hung in every AA wall all over the world. I am proud Greg, very proud! Blessings...Charlie Login to Reply Charles Messina Date: 1/21/2019 7:02:00 PM There is a reason why god gave you a second chance, I know that reason :)

John Hamilton Date: 1/21/2019 10:08:00 AM Very sobering story Greg, glad you were given a second chance we are now blessed with your precious talent! Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 1/21/2019 2:01:00 PM Thank you, my friend. "Sobering", the perfect word in this instance, lol. ;-) Blessings!