Every Secret

But they had not learned enough of humility, fearlessness and honesty, in the sense we find it necessary, until they told someone else all their life story. ~ Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition (Kindle Locations 1142-1143).

It’s not really the secret. If it had been forgotten
the recovery might not have been as strong,
but the inventory would be an inventory,
the attempt to tell all the secrets to myself, to God,
and to another human being would have been real.
Obviously not as complete as possible, certainly lacking,
but enough. An honest attempt, a real admission
of our part in the past. No, it’s not forgetfulness.
It’s guilt that demands we take it to the grave,
we bury it from ourselves, we try earnestly to forget.
It’s those items we hold under our control,
we make believe we did no wrong, we wallow in guilt…
It’s those times we’re filled with fear, we’re too proud,
we’re intentionally dishonest if even by omission…
It’s maintaining command of the situation
that makes us fail to find the beauty
of admitting our wrongs and how they are wrong,
it’s withholding the juicy parts declining to turn over reins.

Copyright: dahum1 / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: dahum1 / 123RF Stock Photo