First Step Sober House

A tribute to Richard the Founder of First Step who was robbed and shot dead 1/27/08 outside his office as others watched. He had a dream that cost him his life. One addict at a time his dream continue

First step sober house is known for its tradition

Of saving lives that were lost to the disease of addiction

Like Father Flannigan they have a belief

There is good in every soul who seeks relief

Bill W had an idea to form a fellowship

Of people who would come together in a relationship

To help each other through the toughest time they’d ever face

Listening to each other with no judgment or disgrace

Along those same lines one man had a vision

For the hopeless, the homeless he made a decision

That rehabilitation wasn’t just for the rich

The poor should have recovery and he filled that niche

He had been there himself and he knew how bad it felt

To live with what you’ve done, the cards that you have dealt

He opened up his heart, his wallet and his home

He gave them food and clothing and a place to call their own

He helped them through the steps, to their recovery

He helped them find the way that would set them free

He knew what worked for him and he wanted to pay it forward

I’m sure he did the work he felt was required by our Lord

Sure he didn’t fix every soul who ever crossed his path

That didn’t stop him from continuing, even when he faced the wrath…

 

 

Peggy Gildon © 5/2011

Reviews

[Will J. Browne]

This poem seems to reflect the qualities of the person it pays tribute to: honest, non-jugmental, and filled with a belief in the possibility of redemption. I’m not particularly religious but to me these all seem like good things. It’s sad to think that this man who went through life quietly helping others and seeking no reward should meet such an end.

[Chloe..Across the Unive..]

It is good to pay it forward. A beautiful poem for a kind man.
I know many addicts who are too poor for treatment it is a wonderful poem - touches the heart..

Chloe

Thank you for reading Hope. :)

[kdpgrahi]

A free verse poem, reads well. I enjoyed the reading.

[Maya Storm]

This poem reads like a story, a story short and sweet.

Fav line: "He knew what worked for him and he wanted to pay it forward" what a character. That line describes the kind of person I hope that I am being everyday.

This is a wonderful tribute piece. Thanks for sharing:)

[Steven Daveluy]

I like this allot Peggy, very much from the heart.
Steven

[Laughing-Bear]

My Dear Writing Friend Peggy,
Your poem “First Step Sober House” was beautiful tribute that Richard would have been proud of. He was able to reach others and help them quash “The old ruler of the mind”, and with an open heart he gave his all so that others might live.
I read the review of William J. Brown and I had to agree that Richard was non-judgmental, honest and believed in redemption. One needs to be that way if they are going to reach the doper or the drunk. I do not recall who the founder of N.A. was but I would of thought an appropriate inscription on his gravestone would of read something like A Friend of Bill. W. And of God.
I do not have any concept of what the afterlife will be like but I think those who have spent their lives reaching us, the Broken Toys in this world, must be truly loved by the Great Mystery. My posted poem Broken Toys, is about our desires to have those like Richard reach out to us. What stood out the most in your write was the fact that the twelve-steps work. Lives are changed and as we pay it forward we stay clean and sober and others find life. Thank you for sharing the most beautiful write.

Blessings, Laughing-Bear