An End To A Tragic Tale

This is a tragic tale

Of an innocence lost so young

One I unfortunately know all to well

Through decades of searching

Within countless trials and tribulations

 

Determined at all costs

No matter how disturbing

To find who I left behind

At an age unimaginable

Drugged to be manageable

By a hand that's not understandable

 

Mother why did you let me fly?

As I flew through a life still commendable

Loosing site of what I tried to hide so well,

Which was just how miserable I felt while high

A pro at playing the hand I was dealt

Thankfully!

 

Faintly an essence was felt

Of a little boy that was within me

That eventually caused this heart of ice to melt

As I recognized myself

Looking into the eyes of my son...

I could see!

 

...From a fire lit by the love of my daughter

Who was raised by a father

That was here but not present

She to was lost yet found herself

Proudly, I applaud her

 

As I begin to forgive myself

Listening to and searching through

All the empty holes of my soul

Thwarted and distorted

I began to untangle and fill in the pieces

 

Causing my spirit to heal

By the grace from which I fell

Lifted by my higher power

I knew as it grew near,

This would be an end to a tragic tale

 

One day at a time

I will remind myself

This life is mine

I will define myself

From that which I longed to find

Free of the madness of a drug induced mind

 

Now cut loose and able to breath

No longer choking from the noose

Of a fake and false remedy,

Leaving all my doubts behind

For I have finally found serenity!

 

Author's Note

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

Reviews

[dan]

A very well written poem describing how much a father's addiction can negatively impact kids and other loved ones. Dropping mini-quotes from the Prayer interspersed within the piece strengthens the authenticity of the words. Very nicely done. take care...dan

[Lyingwithlions]

Thank you for the review Dan. It's greatly appreciated.

[Chris Shaw]

Quite a journey you have been on and if you have found serenity then you have achieved something many don't. I have known many people who have taken drugs, who haven't lived to tell the tale. You found what was worth fighting for. Inspirational poem.

Chris

[Sympathy Heart]

This was a very interesting poem. I've never seen a style quite like yours before. The bold faced words instantly drew my eye and help me focus on those the most. Great job on this!

[Alfred Kukitz]

Deep, disturbing and provocative! The authenticity of your words carries your breath right into your soul.

Regards,
Al

[Sheila Kline]

We walk onward with images of the past, reality of the present and hope for the future - so much of the past filled with pain, the future marked by decisions made in the past, and far too often the future robbed of what could have because of that which happened in the past. Your words are touching, and show strength of character as you acknowledge that which you are responsible for. Thank God, you have realized the true value of that which is most important, and able to heal from some of that which has been lost. The Serenity Prayer has helped innumerable people move on. May you continue to heal and to know the good in life! Stay swaddled in that serenity - it shall continue to heal you!!

[Lyingwithlions]

Thank you! I've never felt better.

So busy, which is great. But I cant wait to have more time to spend writing and be on here reading. My read requests are stacking up. :)

[Sheila Kline]

Great. and I understand about the read requests stacking up - why I turned my off about two years ago. I could never get to them all, even after I trimmed my friend list. Of course, that took me off the "radar" for others to review my work but I live with reviewing when I can and not expecting others to review my work. I write as I enjoy writing. Stay strong, and be filled with joy!!