This poem was inspired by my Step 3 and Step 11 recovery work. That stated, it is intended to show that despite my progress in recovery, surrendering to my HP as well as meditation is still a “process” and often that process involves internal struggle.
Now Exhale
Inhale
I am humbled by inner hurricanes
while clutching this red rose
tight
then white, yellow, pink roses
parade through
as mirrored haras* open
now clutching tighter
my red petals bleed
then drip down
past thorny green veined stem
littering the red clay earth
old voices ring out
boyhood chitter chatter
wounds blister
dead memories
echo through these steel curtained labyrinths
now exhale.
Richard W. 4/10/2024
* hara: Japanese for “core” of one’s physical being (they believe it is located at the stomach)
