As a teen I was told there is
a hole inside us
which only God could heal
For several years
this was found to be true
But I discovered alcohol
and instead attempted to
fill this hole inside
with socialization
and weekends of fun
Eventually a young adult naive and vulnerable
I held romanticized ideas of love
Once I found my intended
My expectations were that
he would close the hole inside
But I discovered relationships
were not as I had dreamed
so turned to my children
to complete the hole inside
one at a time
Children grow and time progresses
They each move on with
lives of their own
leaving me bereft and lonely
an even larger hole inside me
So again and to a greater
extent I turned to alcohol
accelerating as with a heavy foot
This merely succeeded in
ripping the hole inside even larger
Despairing and hopeless
Backed into a corner
I happened upon the support I needed
Inside of me the black hole is
replenished with the help of God
A circle complete
By Contributor: Renee Butner
SOBER POETRY at The Sober Curator is where recovery and creativity intertwine. Featuring heartfelt poems from contributors and readers, this collection captures the raw emotions, triumphs, and challenges of living alcohol-free. Each verse offers a moment of reflection, inspiration, and healing for anyone on a recovery journey—or simply seeking a deeper connection to the human experience.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources. If your life or someone else’s is in imminent danger, please call 911. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call: 988.
