Eight years ago I reached the rooms,
quickly launched into the Steps,
became an expert in my own mind,
told others how to do it, satisfied.
I’ve worked the steps other times,
especially the 5th, am sponsored,
sponsor, do service about as well
as I do anything else. But know
it — meaning my service, my sponsoring,
my abstinence, my meditation…
my recovery leave much to be desired.
It’s time to work the steps again.
They have not changed, and need not.
But this time is different. I’m ready.
I’ve seen in many people
the magic of recovery, and I’m ready.
Ready to have the magic,

ready to have recovery,
ready to work the same steps
and to learn what I wasn’t ready to
before.