Stations of Addiction

How to rid myself of addiction Let it run to the cross soiled Here on the 1st station of the cross Feel the self-hate go to its fate Carry my new wood proudly Condemned to crucifixion I nail the addict while contrite With kindness and patience Threw away my paraphernalia Break the doubt however tight Like a fruitless wash and repeat Get up only to fall again Think of cancer and cirrhosis Recall the tethers of a life Teach me true forgiveness Know that I am enough But, addiction is insatiable When it’s time to strike, strike When I let go the trial starts An addict is an addict for a lifetime Walk the stations day after day Naked and humbled each morning Endure emptiness’ open palms Find amity in fear's closed fist Each iteration is not a failure Be proud above happy people With their sanctioned addictions We are the socially unacceptable Making failure our familiar Our struggle the incomparable If by chance you receive this message Riddled by your daily choices Addiction has no beginning or end Returning to the 12th station Eli eli lama sabachthani Expire like thieves beside the helpless Resurrect me on the 15th Stumbling is better than stasis Lay me beside you entombed I am thirsty, Lord Tetelestai