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Home - Counting Sheep in a Barstool Dream
SOBER POETRY

Counting Sheep in a Barstool Dream

Contributor to The Sober CuratorBy Contributor to The Sober CuratorMay 17, 20251 Min Read
Counting Sheep in a Barstool Dream
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AI Artwork provided by Contributor: Kye Merrick (Corey-Ross Miles)

A cocktease pours a glass of water
Cocktail he would call this drink
Sipped from a tale too tall
that the man himself couldn’t trick his ACC
Traced out the name of a long lost love
in the frost ‘neath the rim where his lips would meet
Bubbles from bastards
Phantom fizz
forced his beguiled cheeks to freeze
Neon lights by the bar stayed sharp
like an image fixed in post for screens
Not a familiar glimpse—
that alone pulled the rug from beneath his feet
Jukebox screams Sweet Caroline
with a bah bah bah
He’s counting sheep
Fire sparks in a lonely corner
Sprinklers drench his cotton sheets
Taking cover
he dips down
and rests his temple upon a stool
Cushion feels familiar—
like a pillow squeezed by a long lost fool

Shades that hide the windows of his soul burst open

One
Two
Three

White noise from the TV spells two letters out:

D

T

Jello in the knees still wobbling
He stands up and meets the wall
Climbs the stairs that feel like swords
Kneels atop a porcelain throne
Purges all the toxic traits
Head in palms, he implores:
How does a struggling soul get rest
when the rest itself is request for war?

Contributor: Kye Merrick (Corey-Ross Miles) @kyemerrick


Photo Credit:  «Depositphotos.com»

SOBER POETRY: This is a space where recovery and creativity meet. It features heartfelt verses that capture the emotions of sobriety. Written by various Sober Curator Contributors and readers about their recovery journeys, these poems provide inspiration, healing, and reflection for readers seeking solace and connection.

Do you have a sober poem you’d love to submit? Please email us at thesobercurator@gmail.com.


Speak Out Speak Loud

SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD! at The Sober Curator is a celebration of authentic voices in recovery—echoing Madonna’s call to “Express yourself!” Here, readers and contributors take the spotlight, sharing transformative sobriety journeys, creative talents, and new avenues of self-expression discovered along the way. Through videos, poems, art, essays, opinion pieces, and music, we break the silence that often surrounds addiction, replacing it with connection, hope, and inspiration.

Your story matters—and we want to hear it. Submit your work to thesobercurator@gmail.com or DM us on social media.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in the Speak Out! Speak Loud! Section are solely the opinions of the contributing author of each individual published article and do not reflect the views of The Sober Curator, their respective affiliates, or the companies with which The Sober Curator is affiliated.

The Speak Out! Speak Loud! posts are based upon information the contributing author considers reliable. Still, neither The Sober Curator nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such.


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Recovery is hard 24/7, 365 – Please know that resources are available

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.

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