Those suffering addictions compartmentalise their lives Trying to build boxes to help them to survive Life controlling behaviours closeted away The pain kept in a corner to come out another day The other rooms look perfect, portraying peace and hope The shoes are lined up clean and spaced, “look how well I cope”. It’s all a show for self and friends, as if they cannot see The childhood pain stuck in the corner, the property of me Life cannot be boxed there’s an ebb and flow Between the rooms in your house joy and sadness go If you try to lock your pain away it will break out in other spaces The careful hiding doesn’t work, to appear in public places The embarrassment and shame rears its ugly head from within its box the pain breaks out Be careful where you tread I cannot judge or pick out, the addict, you or me We all have pain locked away to this or that degree A single canvas can be painted as you try to live as one A tapestry with no walls has only just begun Openness, honesty and sharing Not the time for comparing The journey ahead no one else can measure To embrace the pain and find the treasure Unique to you but travel with friends Who you travel with just depends On open hearts and an honest soul across the river and your goal It’s time to live again John Lowton October '22'
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