( 55 in italics)
Sometimes on short notice, we are asked to share
our 'Experience, Strength and Hope'
in recovery. Last night was one of those.
We say a prayer and then
We tell a story about 'What it was like,
what happened and what it is like now.'
Can you see the silhouette over there
-see where I am pointing?
" Down the train platform,
a figure, quite straight and thin
-if you look a bit closer through
the back light and steam-
tweedy brown suit
with a rounded hat,
a frizzy pony tail
over the left shoulder,
her nose buried in a book.
At her feet, well blended
a stiff suitcase
in shaded yellow."
This is a person my Higher Power
has shown me.Where she came
from and where she has gone since,
Has involved some painful choices.
Insanity,oblivion, Mercy and Grace -
She is a traveler. On the move to and fro.
Have you ever looked down on a lake from above
surrounded by evergreens ?
Sometimes the scene is Winter
sometimes Summer-
Sometimes there is movement
in and around those trees.
Or it may only be tracks in the snow
to tell you 'someone' has been here.
I never know what views
H.P. will want to draw on.
I dread the dredging-
But I have learned
'This too shall pass.'
I have come to understand
that you who are listening,
may need to hear
where I have been. What I have
encountered.
I look back over what came through
and wonder- was it enough?
What could they possibly
have gotten from that ?
Sometimes you folks tell me
afterward. Sometimes not.
Usually there is at least
some " Thanks for sharing".
"I like your honesty"-
Occasionally specific incidents
are mentioned.
You have told me:
Just "Pass it on".
Just do it. "Let go..."
It may bring me to tears
amazement, acceptance;
But somehow, somewhere,
always gratitude. Amen.
