Getting through the door of sobriety is probably the longest walk for some. I’ve seen so many friends involved with drugs or alcohol it’s not funny. The worst part is I don’t associate with them any longer because of it. I’ve suffered at their hands and mouths because they were so screwed up. I’ve witnessed them destroying themselves in front of others. I’ve seen the bait and switch and I’ve been on the end of it.

I get that feeling of regret from this writing. It’s honest and real and a warning for others. There’s no fluff in your writing and that’s why so many here appreciate you.

One critique if I may. I would ditch the robot voice. It neglects the emotion and pauses it takes to read a good poem. Just my two cents. 🙂

Wonderful write Damian. Yes, we come here to share our experiences with others. There’s a vulnerability about it which is heartwarming and makes for great human connection.
Excellent rhythm, rhyme and flow. Keep up the good work.

Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Keith. So glad you connected with the write my friend. It’s a constant work in progress brother. Appreciate you.

Damian

I’ve had my own struggles with vodka and amphetamines, so this resonates. Being clean has accentuated how beautiful is the world. You never play victim or blame others. Refreshing perspective. I wish you much luck on your journey.

As an aside, think I’m the only Brit on this site (well, Welsh actually, but it’s complicated) which is stark contrast to DU. I’m open minded thou, and respect all nations, all people.

hello dearest Damian we have each other this is from the heart ❤️

Tremendous work. Powerful.

I wish you strength and persistence, Damian. I’ve never had an addiction to any drugs or alcohol. Too much damage seen when growing up. I love a few drinks, of course. But not crazy amounts.
As far as writing sites, they are definitely a medicine for our mental anguishes. And obviously the camaraderie that is formed with a few solid people that we encounter. I wonder myself how I would have turned out if I had never started posting my material in AOL boards back then. It changed my outlook and my confidence in a few ways.
Find the positives here, and in life in general. Embrace them. It will save you.

Very impressive ink Damian .. that kidney punch hits bang on target .. and with much respect glad to be in your corner .. Neville 😎👍

I never really know what to comment on poetry, I whether like it or not. Because mostly it’s so personal and ‘concealed’ – as a reader you don’t really know what exactly the poet meant. Or maybe it’s just me 😀 But this one I really liked, especially the “Knowing that I’m never alone is where I begin” … it resonated within me.

Al

The idea that addiction is weakness never stuck with me. I’ve known too many brilliant, creative and compassionate people who struggled with addiction to ever buy that bullshit. I’ve never fought with addiction personally, but it strikes me sometimes that healing and growing are somewhat similar to trauma damage. And too often the two are intricately interwoven. We build community…with others experiencing the same things and telling ourselves there’s no problem because we’re not alone. But then we start the journey and our community changes…from enabling to empowering and encouraging. We’re building a solid little community here with our pens and our personal journeys. I know I would be lost without it. This resonates so much with me, my friend

This is sad. This tendency for being out of control

Evolves around some tragic altercation

Endless riches won’t fix an empty soul

Insert semantics to avoid conversation

that is so well said Damian

hello dearest Damian so well written your heartbreak I can feel it ❤️

My gratitude to your friend, who inspires you to write this brilliant poem, dear Damian. You found the right words and arranged them very well to express what is going wrong in a society where people cherish material possessions more than the things that really matter in life.

For some reason, the word “sorrow” has always had a poetic nod to me. I don’t know why. It sounds less sad than “sad”, or something. Your poem carries it throughout, too. As if you are aware and ahead of the game of sadness, and are dealing with it. Maturity within the emotion, perhaps. Excellent word build.

This pulses with dark electricity—chaos and isolation crackle between each line.
The images burn and linger, leaving the reader in that tense, uneasy space where beauty and despair collide.

Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, H. So glad you connected with the write my friend. All the influences in my life I believe were put there for a reason. It’s always appropriate to honor one’s roots and those who helped shape them. Appreciate you.

Damian

The images of isolation, demons, and “empty riches” function as symptoms of a subjectivity that has lost its center and finds its only echo in its own abyss. There is an almost apocalyptic cadence, but it is treated as a diagnosis—not of an end of the world, but of an end of meaning. The final question does not seek an answer: it exposes the bankruptcy of the very idea of ​​the future. Brilliant, my brother.

“This tendency for being out of control

Evolves around some tragic altercation

Endless riches won’t fix an empty soul

Insert semantics to avoid conversation”

I favor this stanza the most because it resonates deeply within me. I share with you, your sadness my dear friend. This is beautiful, and sad.. A true sentiment of raw emotion and sorrow. Well done! xx

Excellent write. You know sometimes writes just flow out. Other times when it takes over a day it feels like crafting – like putting a puzzle together that takes time. This one reads beautifully.

I think all poets are familiar with sorrow. Perhaps it acts as an impelling force to get out the feelings inside that don’t want to stay hidden. I would love to hear the music behind this. Nice one, Damian.

Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Keith. So glad you connected with the write my friend. It is very sad indeed. Appreciate you.

Damian

Strong piece Damian. As usual penned with great rhythm and flow. Sounds like a friendship that has strong ties.
Well done my friend.

Unfortunately your words here are prefect fit for now adays. People are killed all over the world, horrible massacres here and there, for what? some “humans” feed on greed, on blood and money… I am a believer of the good-evil battle and it seems we are now at the cerst of this battle. I agree about your title, it’s emotionally poetic. Thank You for keep sharing your heart and kind humantic poetical voice🤍 Peace🕊️

“Insert semantics to avoid conversation”

That line was such a gut punch for me. So often people dodge the subject by deliberately engaging in semantics play. They know exactly what’s going on. They’d just rather turn a blind eye. Pretend it isn’t there. And thus we are in this current box of what-the-fuck trying to figure out how to come out of it in one piece. This is so relevant to the world right now. Shall I toss another log on the fire, my friend?