After hanging up to dry
For a couple of weeks
The hospital bouncer
Drove me out to the country
To a medical monastery
Disguised as a farm
And there I was taught
The art of abstinence
Wisdom of sobriety
From priest-like doctors
Nurses who were once like myself

But this clergy wore no uniforms
Just plain civilian clothes
Camouflage for the soldiers of addiction
Cunning as the disease itself
As they whipped my mind to schooling
Telling me what must be done
To keep a three-headed dragon
In tranquil sleep
Hopefully never again to wake

And no TV or music did I find there
To distract my unhealthy mind
Only nutritious food and physical exercise
Therapy groups
Where we tore each other’s lips off
For telling a lie
And twelve steps I did learn there
To keep the peace within myself
And outward to loved ones
Forever more


© 1989
Revised © 2023

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12/11/2018

Posted on 12/11/2018
Copyright © 2024 Chris Sorrenti