Your piercing honesty almost takes my breath away. To say I can relate is an understatement. I find myself even today - this very day - back "at the starting gate" as I fight the tides that threaten to again pull me under. It seems I still point the gun at my own head and heart but your poem reminds me of the redemption that is at hand... just like the kingdom of God... I like reading your poems from years ago. It is as if you give us little glimpses into your biography, your own journey over time. I am having a somewhat similar experience as I put together my new website. In fact, you and your revealed journey here on pathetic.org often inspire me on ways to approach the task of presenting my poetry on my site. Thanks to you for the anchor you drop here on these pages and in our friendship. I sometimes fantasize about visiting Ottawa, but I know it is just that, a fantasy. Maybe it is better to meet you here anyway. Thanks buddy. BTW John Herzog's latest might seem relevant to you.