A year has gone – it went so fast.

I did not think that I would last

Full of anger – full of fear,

I really did not want to hear –

the things you said, what you implied,

I stuck around – but barely tried.

One step here, a couple there –

My soul locked up – afraid to share.

Character defects – some big, some small,

Write them down, just list them all.

And don’t forget to keep in sight,

Good qualities too - things I did right.

But so scared I was of what I’d see,

Afraid to really look at me.

I lied & cried & hid my flaws.

I did not want to see the cause.

I did not want for YOU to know,

Of all the years I could not show –

That child inside – so small – so meek,

Afraid to reach-out, afraid to seek –

the trust of others, friendships too.

People who cared and others who –

Would be there for me in times of strife,

Who would not desert me throughout my life.

For months I’ve paused – tried TO forget

What I must do if I’m to get …

What HAS been promised  - read it yourself –

Don’t keep that Big Book on the shelf!

A chance to grow – a chance to see

What God has always meant for me.

I did come back – again and again,

Because of course, I DO want to mend.

But, I have to work; I’ve got to trust.

Attending meetings is a MUST!

I have to share, I’ve got to talk -

Call my sponsor, walk the walk.

Face those fears. Yes! Shoot them down!

Get off my butt! Stop screwing around!

These are my goals for year number two –

I know today these things I must do.

My life can change if I give it time –

but it will happen through no will of mine.

Oh one last thing I want to say,

Before you all go on your way –

Trust in God! Believe! Rejoice!

Raise your hand! Find your voice!

And never give up and never slide back –

Just stick with us – for it’s a fact –

The Road of Happy Destiny –

It starts in here – for you and me!

I love you all. Thank you for my sobriety.

Peggi A.

The Clearwater Group

Clearwater, Florida