The Bumpy Road
To nirvana
Thoughts that sought me out at night
The carnage and the waste
And with hope, I’d try to cope
Too often tried in haste
The thoughts that brought me to my knees
The murder of my men
The war where scores died needlessly
Even though it was way back when
Sometimes I’d think I’d like a drink
A cigarette or some marijuana
But I know well there’d be a stink
On the bumpy road off to nirvana
I don’t do alcohol anymore.
Nor smoke tobacco or weed.
Or I’d have gone out the back door
Once addicted and in need
I’ve tried self-medication with regret.
To erase the pain and heartache
And ended up in moral debt
And then inevitably, in heartbreak
So now, when I think I’ve had enough
And have reached the limits of endurance
And when the going’s rough
I summon the courage and patience
To carry on and maintain strength
And face the problems and emotions
Keeping trouble at arms-length
And not reaching for exotic potions
Once down so deep in dread and pain
I thought there was no way out
Out of control and quite insane
And all self brought about
The agony of being down in the pits
Then climbing the staircase to the light
And before it’s time to call it quits
I endured with more fight
Sometimes I think it was a nightmare
Though, now, when things get me down
I shake myself down and once again dare
To stand with new hope and self renown
©
David Rudder
2013
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