In life there are patterns for everyone to see
The ebbs and flows, highs and lows, the things that make up me
I didn’t plan to self destruct it just kept on occurring
I could feel it coming from afar, my mind just kept on whirring
The ‘success’ and ‘fame’ life was flying
I expected the fall there is no denying
Success and me didn’t marry
The emotional high I couldn’t carry
I couldn’t cope with being paraded
With recurring behaviours I then traded
I self destructed with my dark friend
The familiar pattern had no end
My friends were left with confusion
He did it again it’s no illusion
The hurt and pain were there to see
The destructive cycle surrounding me
I needed to find a different way
To steadier path, a brighter day
I no longer want to be parading
‘Success’ and ‘Fame’ masquerading
Highs and lows come as they will
The occasional trough and even a thrill
I’m now more prepared for the ride
I meet my friends and then confide
a solitary place to retreat
With my maker I do meet
So can I ask don’t parade your friend
Those in recovery often tend
To be showed off before the world
Their new ‘success’ like a flag unfurled
But the very act can cause a high
They look so great but hide a lie
The fame itself causes pain
To be paraded has no gain
Except to promote false success
Leaving the friend to pick up the mess
Parading addicts point to score
They self destruct as before
I’ve worked in recovery for so long
Now I sing an honest song
It’s time to live again
John Lowton
October ’22’