Growing Lotuses in the Blossoming Garden of My New Life

Written by, Emma S.

In my old life of addiction and escapism, I was deluded to think that running away would solve any problems; on reflection it kept me stuck in the same place as life moved forward without me. With the support of MA literature and fellowship, within myself I have found new ways to cope with existing problems, and due to my emotions being available I have been confronted with some truths; yet the power I used to give away is available to me to solve those problems and stay surfing on the sea of life. I am grateful to those who went before me and those who are alongside me in recovery, so that I am building my life day by day, instead of letting each day pass by.

“I am actively growing lotuses to admire, instead of being transfixed by the desire to sit still and eat them.”

Published in A New Leaf – November 2026

  • Poem 4

    Written by, Jessyka C. It was the bee That inspired me To quit the green Been smoking so long I’m no longer ganga princess, I’m ganga queen Now I’m realising it’s only bringing me down Spending all my money on it like a clown I need to stop, give it a rest I can be better…

    Poem 4
  • I LIVE TO SERVE! (fast ska/punk)

    Composed by, John J Chord: AYou may be sinnin’But I’m in it to win it!I got all the tricks, shit!I’m the one who can fix it!When I come for your curveYou better not swerve!Man have I hit a nerve!Baby I LIVE TO SERVE! YO! Chord: BmWe’re only as sick as our secrets, manI’m more than…

    I LIVE TO SERVE! (fast ska/punk)
  • Amends to Self

    Written by, Anonymous My dear self, I love you, and I’m so proud of you. I haven’t always made it easy for you, but you’ve become such an incredible woman, and I’m certain you will continue to thrive in the future. I’m writing this letter as an amends for all I have done and failed…

    Amends to Self
  • Seventh Step

    Written by, Jeremy O. God, grant me clarity, that I might recognize… God, grant me honesty, that I might acknowledge… Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit… Blessed are the powerless, for theirs is the path to recovery: This nameless addict asks God for serenity, for courage, for wisdom This powerless addict seeks God…

    Seventh Step
  • Loud Is Who I Really Am

    Written by, Martha S. The start of my sobriety from weed coincided with the end of my 24-year-marriage to the man who was originally my gay best friend. We had adventures. We survived 9/11, left the City to start a small farm in the mountains, adopted an infant from an African country (both of us…

    Loud Is Who I Really Am
  • My Beloved

    Written by, Jessyka C. Mary Jane, My beloved, my wife, my true love, I’m writing once again, To say I’m sorry but there’s nothing to discuss, I mean it this time, it’s over between us, you’ve got me feeling like trash, Now there’s no going back, I’m here wasting all of my cash, I can’t…

    My Beloved