Safe

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."

changes

metamorphosis of my sobriety

blackout drunk

rage and jealousy

give way

chrysalis of hope

poet, artist, performer

finally safe

Author's Note

The quote is from Maya Angelou. I've been sober two years this past August

Reviews

[Stella Armour]

Stay safe John, nothing is more precious than your health .... walk tall and be proud of yourself..

[John Sullivan]

Your so very kind, Stella. I've been in dark places, but life has it's way of showing one to the light... be well, my friend

[Stella Armour]

Leonard Cohen's " Anthem "is relevant to this and also one of my favourite pieces...

[John Sullivan]

Cohen is a huge inspiration on my own writing, I'm listening to Songs of Love and Hate as we speak...

[Stella Armour]

i have all his cds and several of his books , have loved that man for years , still do even tho he has left us ... such a humble soul but with a smattering of wit too

[John Sullivan]

Agreed, as a young man experiencing love and heartbreak Cohen was hugely influential... Ah, once upon a time...

[Stella Armour]

his dvd "Live in london" is great ... did you know that Neville actually met him ?

[John Sullivan]

I did not, that's absolutely amazing! And I think I've seen Live in London, that might be my favorite version of Tower of Song... a fantastic wordsmith, that one... and you too, of course :P

[Stella Armour]

Flattery will get you everywhere 🤣

[John Sullivan]

Ahahaha! Be well, miss Stella!

[Neville]

You deserve a darn good pat on the back mate, none of what you appear to have given up could have been easy despite the wanting to .. I have nowt but respect .. and a whole heap of admiration sir John

[John Sullivan]

As always Nev, your kindness is much appreciated. Be well!

[Neville]

You are more than welcome and magnificently worthy John .. AGT's Neville

[Desert Knave]

Wow. Sobriety was a monster for me, and ended many times before I found whatever it was inside that got me there. Nicely done (with a well-chosen quote to go with it) ~Jim

[John Sullivan]

Thanks so much, Jim! It's been 2 years and 6 months for me, and I've never been happier

[Kaylor Mason]

congratulations sir. I wish you continued success.

[John Sullivan]

Thank you so much! And welcome to the Cafe, it's a wonderful place!

[Starbaby]

Congratulations on 2 years! I am certain that as you continue to grow, change and evolve, this metamorphosis will inspire more and more creative outpourings. It's cathartic.

[John Sullivan]

Thank you so much! I took a break from writing for a couple years, but it's nice to be doing it again. I attend a writer's group on Tuesdays that has been very inspiring, a lot of very talented people coming and sharing... Thank you for reading!

[Betty Hermelee]

It is better to recognize the downward spirals in life than to keep falling further; And it seems that you have overcome a habit before it did you in.... This is a very honest write with strong words to show us where you were, and where you are now...
Thanks for sharing
Warmly, B

[John Sullivan]

Agreed! I'm in a much better place now. Thank you for reading!

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome!
Warmly, B

[FGFRANKLIN]

Viva la pura vida. I salute the sobriety of all who bravely face the increasingly insane world around us without crutches. Lucky for me I'm naturally and easily overwhelmed by learning...my drug of choice. I can't go a day without needing my fix of finding out something I didn't know the day before. Currently, I'm a walking encyclopedia of completely useless information. Alcohol tastes awful anyway. Then it makes you act stupid and feel bad. Been there, done that, have the hat and the tee shirt. But writing poetry has to be beneficial as a cathartic to those who employ it as such. Out with all the bad and in with all the good, breathe in, breathe out. And stay safe. I enjoyed the read.

[John Sullivan]

The gift of learning is a beautiful thing, I'm a Wikipedia scholar myself! I've been trying to read more lately, I think it's good for ya. Thank you for your thoughts!

[FGFRANKLIN]

I've read so much over the years my brain should explode. I can remember how to postulate theorem but forget what I had for breakfast this morning. I haven't eaten yet though. (laughing)

[John the Baptist]

Has the sound of one who has passed through an ordeal. Substance abuse of one sort or another has been a hazard for many great poets (Think Dylan Thomas.). Good luck on your ongoing recovery.

[John Sullivan]

Love me some Dylan Thomas, and I'm well acquainted with his story. Sobriety is one of the best things to ever happen to me, please accept my many thanks for your kind words!

[Chris Shaw]

A wonderful poem here and congratulations are in order. Well done John. Pleased to have stopped by today.

Chris

[John Sullivan]

Always a pleasure to hear from you, Chris. Glad ya stopped by

[1809 Black Plague Decem..]

Hellos, John Sullivan, love the minuscule of your poem,
I love that it is a metamorphosis, to safe,
but more that there is an intermingle in rage, rage is powerful,
-----Maynard

[John Sullivan]

Thank you for your thoughts

[1809 Black Plague December]

most welcome Dearest, happy holloween, hope you have a scary one, thank you for adding me, and good evening, ---Maynard

[John Sullivan]

Good evening to you dear friend! We're having a Halloween party here at my building, I'm looking forward to it

[1809 Black Plague December]

yay, most graciously, inviting :P