Turning Back From The Abyss Comments

one day at a time... i like this poem david... the struggle to fight an addiction is hard and told so very well my friend...10

It was the small things in this that I found particularly moving: 'Must go out for a walk' 'Shave every day Try to look presentable Clean your clothes' And that these became 'daily vows'. The key is in the mundane stuff isn't it! ! The whole piece is powerful. I've never been a drinker, perhaps because I was aware that this situation is so easy to reach and so hard to escape, and I could never have put myself in the shoes of the clearly determined and worthy character you portray here. You capture the tragedy and the hardship very realistically, with a deft and sparing use of language. Another valuable piece of poetry David. This kind of work increases general understanding of and sympathy for a tragic condition. jim

Firstly, before all else, I would like to thank you. You've been so scarily nice that I wish to thank you with all of my heart. You won't know how exhilerated I felt when i found that you actually took precious time off to comment on each and every one of my poems! For this, my vocabulary and language fails me, for I can only present to you these words: Thank you. It's nice that you have a follow-up to your poems. Is this always the case? For mine, you could say most of them are one-shots. Written by the spur of the moment, and sadly, almost forgotten next. This poem spells hope, even through the bitterness and pain, hope- yes, it shines through. As if the whole world will change to your flow with your steering to the right direction, you show that families do not, in the reality, actually abandon the person even if it seems the case. I like the way you put his healing condition in a positive light, and that: 'You owe it to yourself, ' It has an overpowering sense of achievement that gives determination when all else are so far away. An encouraging poem about alcoholism, the life, and one of hope.

Yes, this is quite the struggle, a harsh and painful struggle at that. Time and time again you try only to fail yet again. Then there comes a time when you tell yourself, this has to end. You've lost the respect of family and friends, you have no self esteem left, yes the road back is difficult. Having said that, as your wonderful poem points out, family and friends will support you on your way back. You can't do it alone, but if you want it bad enough, it will happen. I found prayer was also a very good addition along with family and friends. This is an excellent poem that truly paints a true picture of the struggle. I'm glad you wrote this David, I hope those faceing this stuggle today, have the opportunity to read this very strong poem. Thankyou David, well done.---Melvina--

The lure of the bottle, so strongly expressed here......the urge, the all-encompassing urge to...just have one, just one. So close to the edge of the abyss. A brilliant piece of writing here, David. Love, Fran xx