I’m going through changes
fighting off a monkey
big as a gorilla
my disease custom made
by drug of choice

Until I get the call from the hospital
I go to meetings
at the Overbrook Community Centre
on Quill Street
while in the next room
addicts of a different kind
are getting off on their Bingo cards
but not us
we’re slowly changing our playthings
and playmates
though the playground still looks the same

It’s a nice sized group
maybe fifteen in all
unlike the zoo downtown
we share war stories
over cigarettes and coffee
some are still using
but lie through their teeth
the glass shine in their eyes
a dead giveaway

A few are in recovery
while others like me still waiting
a little nervous about what lies ahead
but anything’s better
than that familiar Hell on Earth
when you don’t know
if you’ll wake up in the morning

© 1989
Inputted and revised © 2018

640 hits as of December 2023

08/27/2018

Posted on 08/27/2018
Copyright © 2024 Chris Sorrenti