Resilience

A poem about recovery

RESILIENCE

By

Gary Spangler

Knocked down.

Get back up to be

Knocked down

Get back up

Move to the left

Move to the right

Knocked down hard then jump back up

Angry.

Mad at myself

Lash out to my inner-circle

Roar! Roar.

Knocked down

Take a knee

Try to understand

None to be had

Limp along

Feeling sad

Sorry for myself

Bam!

Knocked back down

Went down easy

Boot on my chest

Bearing down

Look up to see life’s grin

Eyes shut

Getting up is no option

Desperation.

Isolation.

Boot now bearing down on throat

Pushing down

Restricting.

Sinking.

Acceptance.

Fightless.

Pushed

Rolled

Dropping six feet

Taste of dirt

Permanence

Smell of Cinnamon

See outstretched hand

Reach for the hand

Grasp it

Let it pull me up

Trust the hand

Don’t trust the hand.

Inner circle gathers

Some back away

Some move uncomfortably close

Some lift me

Slowly lift

When I’m ready

Standing.

I Grab the arms

Arms hold me

Don’t let go

Perhaps never

No longer standing alone

Resilience becomes reliance

Knocked back down

Helped back up

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

Those who have been knocked down by any addiction can relate to this. The "inner circle" will stick with you and will be there to pick up the pieces with you. Those who leave when you are knocked down are not worth your energy. Very honest write. The staccato lines make it more powerful. Lydi**

[barleygirl]

Very nice job of describing MANY aspects of everyday life, not just recovery! This is how it can feel for long stretches at a time, even when we're trying to do everything true & healthy with our lives. I like the jerky sensations of short lines or one-word descriptions, sounding like it can feel when one it taking one step forward & two steps back.

[Tabby Mac]

WOOOOOWWW!! I really enjoyed this! This captures addiction of any kind really...and those who can relate understand rising up from rock bottom and that it takes the right people to help rise above.I love the rhythm too! Well penned!
Speaks volumes!
Tabby