Birth In Reverse

An analogy of my experience with addiction and recovery

Staring into the flame

Recalling the beginning

He wondered at my smile

And I explained the story of my birth in reverse

I was a wanderer, through the expanse

    Neither here

          Nor there

When the violence of conception jarred me

     Into chaos

           And being

Appearing as a phantom

     The walking dead

            A wraith

So lonely.... so confused.... and locked in time.....

The peace of the grave wrapped me

       In darkness

            Rest for bones grown weary

I felt the pain of dying

      Excruciating

            Paralyzing

I drug myself into the womb

       The warmth and softness comforted me

             I was nurtured

Turning over in the safety of space

       My eyes began to open

              My heart began to beat

To the rhythm.... of Earth.....

I was born of soft flames and gentle fires, I told him

         Now I burn

               And I am ALIVE

Reviews

[Ken Simm.]

Remarkable, rich write. An honest, heartbreaking write that came from deep within. One can only say I hope it was supremly cathartic. It certainly deserves to be.

[D Connolly]

Hi Ken, thank-you so much! I look at this part of the past with gratitude because before the chaos I was simply floating, and now I am wide awake. It's quite wonderful

[AustinDF]

Very cool, gritty and real.

[D Connolly]

thank-you, it's so nice to open my eyes in the mornings

[aLittlePain]

Hello sunshine :) I love the title, the poem is honest and powerful. Inspiring Dani and what an awesome close! R xo

[D Connolly]

thank-you so much beautiful Ray

[redzone]

your poem is a bouncing baby Dani, welcome to life and to being "ALIVE"... glad you made it through, not easily done...

redzone

[D Connolly]

Thank-you! Good to be here

[Kathy Van Kurin]

D. connolly,
Story of any life experience is the sharing of common experience. You have given voice to the reality of what another has dealt with for we all have so much in common just because we are alive. You are precious to share your honest story in such a beautiful way. Thankyou! blessings Kathy

[D Connolly]

Hi Kathy! Thank-you

[Tony Jordan]

The title is an immeadiate grab - it sounds so painful that it encapsulates the journey (and the whole poem) really well.
Throwing off the shackles of addiction must rank as one of life's hardest tasks - you convey the turmoil superbly D.
The ending literally is on fire.
Pure class !

[D Connolly]

Thank-you :) That's very sweet

[Tony Jordan]

Credit where it's due Dani.

[mattavelli]

Hello, D! :)
This is lovely. Addictions and habits are difficult to break. It's an inspiring read. Your wording and metaphors Pulled me in.

[D Connolly]

Thank-you Matt, I appreciate it

[Diamond]

Extra ordinary! multiple meanings bringing out a depth of feeling. Superb work Dani. Thank you for sharing it. I really love it.

[D Connolly]

Thank-you so much Queen, I really appreciate it :)