I’m a voice amongst the many here
Often sharing work steeped in observation
My message is simple yet quite clear
Open dialogue leads to more conversation
Never been one for empty applause
When commenting it comes from the heart
Strength is acknowledging the flaws
Just an authentic poet choosing to take part
Chasing after praise leads to regret
Life’s highway is paved in constant doubt
Heavy lifting becomes endless debt
Beneath every word I’m casting demons out
Sobriety keeping madness in check
Once upon a time that was seldom the case
Liquid courage a walking train-wreck
Incoherent thoughts flowing at a rapid pace
Full throttle into another brick wall
Watching as the mask cracks beyond repair
There’s no going back after the fall
Reflecting in the mirror with a broken stare
Through community I found love
Among fellow brothers and sisters of the pen
And when push comes to shove
Knowing that I’m never alone is where I begin
Copyright @ Damian DeadLove 2026
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. 🙂
Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Tim. So glad you connected with the write my friend. I don’t associate with most of them anymore either, it’s bad influences that can bring you back into the endless cycle. I’ve never been into fluff, I’m a straight forward kinda guy. lol. Yeah, the robot has no charisma that’s for sure, heard that costs extra. Thanks for the two cents brother, If I continue to take up a collection maybe I can afford the charisma upgrade. lol. Appreciate you.
Damian
I can feel your pain Damian through these words. Wonderfully put together. Nice 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
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, Wally. So glad you connected with the write my friend. It does make for great human connection indeed. 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.
Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Ghosteen. So glad you connected with the write my friend. My struggles were with the bottle, that and because of having anxiety issues I’m still on Xanax. But for over 20 years I mixed that dangerous cocktail I was playing Russian Roulette you could say. Somehow I made it this far in my journey, so I’m making the most of a second chance in life. I don’t blame others or play victim because I chose addiction that’s all on me my friend. Shifting blame is not facing the truth no one forced me to partake.
I’m from the States. Where currently the circus has come to town, I’m sure you know what I mean. lol. Totally open minded as well. Appreciate you.
Damian
hello dearest Damian we have each other this is from the heart ❤️
Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Brenda. So glad you connected with the write my friend. Yes, we all have each other in this community, which means we’re never truly alone. Thank you for your continued support my friend. Always from the heart indeed. Appreciate you.
Damian
Tremendous work. Powerful.
Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Thomas. So glad you connected with the write my friend. Appreciate you.
Damian
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.
Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Mark. So glad you connected with the write my friend. Thanks for the wishes brother. I’m glad you never went through addiction to alcohol/drugs, moderation is a good thing indeed, unfortunately moderation didn’t work for me. lol. Writing and writing sites are therapy for me as well as a creative outlet. I’ve met some great people here and at DU that definitely changed my life for the better. Sound advice. Appreciate you.
Damian
Very impressive ink Damian .. that kidney punch hits bang on target .. and with much respect glad to be in your corner .. Neville 😎👍
Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Neville. So glad you connected with the write my friend. Likewise brother.. Appreciate you.
Damian
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
Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Al. So glad you connected with the write my friend. Sometimes more than one thing can be true at the same time. As far as what to comment on a poem, the safe bet is just what it made you as the reader feel, thank you for your honest commentary. I’m glad it resonated with you! Appreciate you.
Damian
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
Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Willow. So glad you connected with the write my friend. I’ve missed your commentary so much, it always reminds me that we’re kindred spirts. As usual you’re spot on, I would be lost without this solid little community as well. We share our journeys and we all learn together, we do empower and encourage one another that’s for sure. Addiction and trauma damage do have similarities, probably more than they differ. So glad it resonates with you my friend. Appreciate you.
Damian