Paths

As members share about the paths they took along the way
To free themselves from booze or drugs, a life in disarray
We notice that they’re not always the same for every member
Except in the beginning were we all had to surrender

Surrender starts the journey to regain the life we lost
Once alcohol controlled our lives, we paid a heavy cost
The Steps we’re told, a pathway, to a better way to live
Contained within a program that will have so much to give

The paths we choose may differ, but they all share some proceedings
We’re told to get a sponsor, work the steps and come to meetings
From there it’s up to us just how we do the deal each day
And be willing to accept advice from other in AA

While most rely on prayer and God to help with their addiction
Atheists Higher Power uses the Group for their affliction
The agnostic is not sure a Supreme Being hears their prayer
But prays to something anyway and hope this something hears

Our AA tent is large enough for different points of view
As long as no one tries claim that only theirs is true
It was not all that long ago that drug addicts were banned
Today addicts are welcomed, we’re the same, we understand

Some folks need a daily meeting, others one a week
But most have a routine, helps them keep the peace they seek
It may be prayer and meditation, phone calls with some AA friends
Breakfast after meeting, all these things pay dividends

The path we chose to follow on our journey from addiction
Depends on our admission and an absolute conviction
That we are alcoholics, can be tempted, led astray
Unless we, without question, do that First Step every day.

Larry R.