“The pain of doing the Fourth Step was a lot less than the pain we would have held on to by not doing this step.”

– Life with Hope, second edition, page 20

STEP FOUR, on the floor
Can’t breathe, tears stream
So scared, prayer for care.
Addict mind, patterns I’ll find,
Willingness, will it become forgiveness?
Resentful grudge, my soul’s dark sludge
Scoff at humanity, in both you and me
Survival mode, the gaping God-shaped hole.
Fearless inventory, lend me some humility
Truly seeing clearly, seeking to be free.
Shedding my remorse, honest share with no recourse
Compassionate listening, will be oh so healing.
Rigorous honesty, if I’ll ever get to know me.
Who’s this sick lost child? Let me write a while…
Long-standing fear, still affecting me now and here
Ignorance isn’t bliss, dissociate into the abyss.
What was my part? Courage in my heart,
Facing my selfishness, denial and bitterness,
Cheated and wrong, secrets held for too long
Not to criticize, but to realize.
World viewed in black-and-white; it’s not “wrong” or “right.”
Can my character defect become a precious asset?
Can I give up control? Make readiness my goal
Shadows of my past, moving on at last.
Glad to be alive.

Final thought: Joyous and hopeful to step into FIVE!!