The Meanings Of Words

2005 Image: Detail from original collage by Carlton Carr

I know the meaning
of the word intoxication
I've found it in bottles
pill boxes, wrapped in newspaper
and foil
and between the open thighs
of countless strangers

It has soiled my days
anesthitized my dreams
and ruled my restless nights
dumping me time after time
in the ashes
of overwrought dreams
and selfish
unanswered prayerss

I search the lexicon of hope
for the meanings of new words
abstinence
recovery
grace
and serenity