Puzzled

Like a crossword puzzle
with study and slow, steady work
the way it all interacts,
fits together, makes an intricate whole…
gradually reveals itself.
One answer balances another,
supplies clues, narrows it down…
Reading a passage in the Big Book,
talking about a step around a table,
hearing your story from other mouths,
discovering that missing letter,
that nuance that had evaded…
When the community works
the same puzzle, some know idioms, slang,
some bring life experiences that illuminate,
some have religious experiences,
others holy doubt, blatant suspicion.
But together the community makes it work,
novices helping oldtimers, those with decades
walking hand in hand with newcomers,
all solving the puzzle to find answers,
a treasure greater because it’s shared.

crossword