Haiku for the 12 Steps
When I was in treatment, I had an assignment to express our battle with addiction in very simple terms. I had always been entranced by the simplicity and directness of Haiku. In addition, expressing these challenges in only seventeen syllables was a challenge I wanted to undertake. Recently, when I was struggling, I used that approach to break down the 12 Steps into Haiku; this is strictly my own feelings and interpretation, but I wanted to share it with others.
Step 1:
More than a problem,
I admit devastation;
A weakness that kills.
Step 2:
Hope is beyond me,
I look elsewhere for succor,
Hope shows me a path.
Step 3:
I welcome new light
And choose to follow the way
That leads to healing.
Step 4:
My actions caused pain,
But I cannot be afraid
To account for all.
Step 5:
I admit my loss
To begin my slow healing
My soul feels lighter
Step 6:
Looking upon them,
My faults cling closely to me
They need to depart
Step 7:
I dismiss my pride:
Though they were long part of me
My sins must wither.
Step 8:
More than just their names,
There must me a desire
To make my wrongs known.
Step 9:
Wisely I review
Those hurt by my base actions
And humbly voice them
Step 10:
My daily review:
Thoughts about my transgressions
Help me admit them.
Step 11:
I confer with God
Not asking for what I want
But what I can do.
Step 12:
The sleep is over
I share songs of awareness
To keep myself whole
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