In business it’s important that you know just where you stand
Your P & L will show you if you’ve chosen the right plan
Another tool you’ll need to use is called the balance sheet
It shows you what you have or owe, to add or to retreat
Step Ten is like a balance sheet; it makes us take a look
At what we’ve gained and what we’ve lost, as stated in the Book
It helps us to consider when another day’s complete
On what we’ve done, both good and bad, an AA balance sheet
Another way to think concerns what we have lost or gained
The asset is serenity, liability was pain
They’re both part of this gift we got by coming through that door
To learn to live a better way, that’s what AA‘s there for
Unlike the business balance sheet that’s known to all of us
Where one side has a minus sign, the other has a plus
My AA balance sheet has many plusses on one side
And not too many minuses since the Steps have been applied
When I was forced to finally look at both sides of my ledger
I saw that I had lost control, consumed with seeking pleasure
I tried my best to justify the things that I had done
I’m hurting no one but myself, I’m only having fun
Then came the time the fun ran out, was forced to face the fact
That alcohol controlled my life, a slave to its impact
I did not want to drink again, but knew not how to stop
My doctor said to try AA, “do it before you drop”
I did not really want to go; my ego had been bruised
But go I did, for after all, what did I have to lose
It took a while to get onboard, but when I finally tried
I saw a change within myself that could not be denied
Now when I work Step number Ten, my ledger’s been revised
The good stuff far outweighs the bad, it’s made me realize
That things that were a negative, today have been replaced
Like how I felt when I awoke, no longer in disgrace
Most nights as I recount my day, I’m pleased with what I find
It’s not because of some great deed that enters in my mind
My balance sheet is positive because I work these Steps
To smile and greet my fellow man and treat them with respect
And should I fail in this attempt, I need to recognize
Where I’d been wrong, in word or deed, been quick to criticize
I owe amends to those I’ve harmed, make it without delay
Then work to make sure this mistake does not get a replay
So, when I tally up my score by practicing Step Ten
I’m mindful how my life has changed as I consider when
My balance sheet looked awful at the end of every day
Today the norm is positive since I have found AA
Larry R.
Early Sobriety Group 