Sobriety

Sobriety

...may surprise you.

Who but the unfortunate
grow up stone cold sober
and therefore only anxious
about the brutal,
yet also beautiful miracle
it is to be alive?

The fortunate man or woman
drinks for good reasons,
though eventually learns
continuous drinking
only keeps them drunk.

The cure for drunkenness
is not to simply recognize
everyone is drinking.
Rather sobriety begins,
when a third eye opens
and beholds the infinite
within this strange reality,
as well as the hopeless futility
of trying to escape.

---

Years ago I used to commiserate
with all people who suffered.
Now I commiserate only with those
who suffer in ignorance,
who do not understand the purpose
and ultimate utility of pain.
~ Bill W.