If I never leave the basics,
I never have to get them back.
But where are they,
what are they?
Basics are fundamentals,
the principles…
Admitting powerlessness,
I look inward honestly —
honesty is a principle.
What could be more basic than hope
at least for the hopeless like me, insane,
doing the same thing time after time,
expecting this time…
Daring different from a greater power,
faith is a decision.
Courage to face facts,
integrity to admit them,
willingness for change to come
from beyond my control,
humility to let it happen —
pretty dramatic, but still basic…
Cleaning up debris of my past
comes from self-discipline
and love, and holding all together,
preventing unraveling, happens
through perseverance, spiritual awareness
and service.  But how?
Twelve principles, basic every one,
yet so nebulous, so ideal.
I’m too weak, I can’t do it.
But of course, that honesty starts me
down the path. I’ll walk,
Step by Step, grabbing hold of basics
as often as needed, holding on to each.
I certainly don’t want to live
without them.