frankie_2/15/2005_10 years_a poem

25 February 2005

never did I think I would have one year times ten
and, boy, I do remember when
I walked in that door without a friend

My story is nothing new
John Barleycorn led me to a life gone astray
I drank, I drank, I drank until I came to AA
And decided to live life a brand new way

He was very coy and inviting
One whiskey sour, my life became exciting
A johnny walker, followed by a beer, beer, beer
My life began to slowly disappear
The night was endless, always one more
then everyone was gone as I woke up on the floor

never thinking something was wrong
once I checked in, I never checked out
it was always the same old song
drinking, drinking, drinking, stumbling along

and so as I celebrate tonight
it’s not just about giving up the fight
the message is very clear
just one drink and I’ll no longer belong here
so I thank AA and all of you
for this new life with a new attitude
one filled with lots of gratitude
for all the help you have given me
from the clutches of John Barleycorn
you have set me free