I Am Strong (Poem)

A poem about overcoming addiction...

If pain was but a test of weakness

Then I'd realize I am strong

I swam to float above the deepest

Treading nine years long

You've read it before, I've said it twice

You read this poem, I've said it thrice

I'm happy, strong, and moving forward

No longer cocaine dreaming horror

Author's Note

I've been clean off of cocaine and alcohol for 4 months now. I still have to occasional beer, but not to get drunk... It was a very hard battle, chains of bullshit weighing heavy on my mind. But I'm one of the strong ones that will actually do something big in his life, something I and my generations to come can be proud of... I hope someone reading any of my poems about my addiction and my mind's descent will be inspired to find true happiness. Things get better if you let them.
I must warn you, escaping the icy grip of Dark is a lot harder than you'd think, depending on how deep in the hole you've fell.

Reviews

[I Am Svetlana]

I respect you for sharing your story behind what this poem was about. It's often hard to accept who we are and come face-to-face with our addiction. I am so proud of your progress. It takes time to build up the strength and courage to admit that you need help, but we all must hit a rock bottom at some point. To prove that our addictions will never get us anywhere good in life, only drag us down.

[Haeshin]

It definitely gives the message that you've overcome and moving on. Not bad to get that through in a short poem.

[beautiful dreamer]

this is very raw and very good

[Danielle]

Nicely expressed, keep at it!

[Damien Davison]

Thank you!

[Richard Man]

When you are deep down there, a mirror isn't for making you pretty it's to help you think you are. And a cash card?
Well done DD!

[Damien Davison]

Haha, good point, thanks a lot!

[M.E.Lyle]

I just finished reading one of your other works. Great to hear things are going better. Keep writing and spreading the word. I think it inspires others to follow your lead, another reason to keep strong. You can be the example for all those following in your footsteps. Good luck to you.

[Damien Davison]

Thank you very much, the plan is to inspire those in such struggle to rise. I have 8 face tattoos, it's not easy to rise where I live looking the way I do, but it's possible.

[DoNt LoSe YoUrSeLf]

Addiction is always a very tough battle for those who have experienced it head-on. I'm glad you have won the battle and are good and clean. It proves that recovery and sobriety is possible, though I bet the battle wasn't an easy one. Temptation around every corner, cravings every now and then...I'm really glad you fought that demon and are done with it. :) So proud of you!

[Damien Davison]

Heh, it's a life long struggle, recovery and sobriety is possible, but you gotta look at the negatives compared to the positives. Kinda. Thank you!

[DoNt LoSe YoUrSeLf]

No, no, it makes sense what you say. It's always best to know the negatives as well as the positives. You have to uncover old wounds to find the solution to why the problem started and where it got you. The positives just help as motivation to keep going and becoming sober.

[Damien Davison]

Mmm, but it's a little more complicated is what I meant. What is positive to you about the drug is a negative in a whole, but the negative drowns the negative, creating a short-lived positive/lack of negative one chases. If that makes sense.

[DoNt LoSe YoUrSeLf]

Yes, it makes perfect sense. I've been my share of addiction, though not to drugs, but self-harm. It's been a struggle, but I understand fully about what addiction is like and how hard it is to experience it.

[Damien Davison]

http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/MedievalD/1043309/

[Damien Davison]

That's one about my self harming.

[DoNt LoSe YoUrSeLf]

Alright, I'll be sure to look into it. A lot of people don't think self-harming can be addicting...when really, whenever I hear the word "addiction", that's all I really think about...I think about how many years I've dealt with my self-harming and how I'm still somehow going through it.

[Damien Davison]

Drugs, self mutilation/harm, video games, you name it, it can be addicting...

[DoNt LoSe YoUrSeLf]

And it's sad that some people don't believe that still...

[Bria Love]

No words for this; just a huge smile
Very nice

[Damien Davison]

Heh, glad I could make a positive influence!

[alltheloveabove]

well done! :D

[Damien Davison]

Thank you!

[Frieda P]

Kudos to you, it's a strong read that backs an overwhelming struggle. Pen on and continued success in your battle.

[Damien Davison]

Thank you very much Frieda, take care!