Two poems on addiction...

I Got To Be Me, I Got To Be Free

A member of the freedom generation,
I sang the anthem of instant gratification.
I walked the walk, and now I talk the talk.
I had to be me, I had to be free.
Free to take that toke,
Free to cuss when I spoke,
Free to light that joint and take my poke,
Free to swill alcohol until I choked.
To spend the rent money on the ponies.
I wasn’t cool, just another phony.

Thinking I was free I misbehaved,
In reality I became enslaved.
Educated I should have known
There is no freedom in being alone.
Unbridled freedom ends in addiction,
That’s a fact and isn’t fiction.
I once knew moderation in all things,
True freedom comes without any strings.

Enlightened ones in the devil disbelieve,
The consummate beguiler he deceives.
Just ask one, who walked the road,
Of darkness and carried his load.
Unable to sleep unable to breathe
Who lost all hope, cried and who grieved.
For the innocence I once perceived.
I had to be free I had to be me

I never realized the pain and misery.
Lusting after the crass and glamorous
I encountered all that hammers us.
Endless nights of misery and pain,
Constant days of panhandling and shame.
If I deter another from taking the same road
To relieve him of this terrible load
I’ve preformed my earnest commission
With this my sincere act of contrition.

Christopher Cole



Many of us are plagued by addictions of one form or another. Most are very hurtful and destructive. With spiritual help and resolve even the most insidious can be overcome. There is triumph and exultation when we summon the courage and the strength to do so...

THE END OF ADDICTION

I finally had enough

I pulled him from my back

Startled and angry he cried out

I slammed him to the ground

I kneed him in his scaly gut

Twisting his head with all my might

I yanked it until it snapped

He didn't have a chance

I finally tired of it all

His control and influence

I never realized I could fight back

Kicking him into submission felt good

Breaking his hideous face with my fists

I left him before me vanquished

His broken tail slapping in the dust

Go ye and do likewise.

Christopher Cole