Once Consumed

Now Righteous

Once I was consumed by addiction's affliction,
I lived a life of contradiction,
I numbed anxiety's benediction,
Presenting a fearless facade was pure fiction,
Deep down I was a coward in remission.

Fooling only myself,
I admitted I needed help,
To climb down from the tree of self-pity,
And let go of the great ego within me,
Allowing me to conceive a new way to be.

Spirituality was my way to believe,
I didn't foresee praying on my knees,
I found a power greater than myself to retrieve,
Giving me the strength and guidance to achieve,
It was like hitting the lottery, if you please.

Grateful for the chance to be receptive,
A second chance at life was accepted,
Undoing the habits that held me captive,
God's will for me is to become active,
Living with a righteous spirit is so attractive.

I asked OpenAI.com for a critique of this poem that I wrote as a reminder of where I come from. ChatGPT likes my message. :-) This is what AI wrote:

The poem "Once" by an anonymous author is a powerful reflection on addiction and the journey towards recovery. The poem begins by acknowledging the speaker's former addiction, noting that their life was consumed by it, and that it was a contradiction in terms of what they were trying to present to the world. They tried to put on a facade of fearlessness, but deep down, they knew they were a coward. This is a powerful and honest admission, as it highlights the inner turmoil and conflict that often accompanies addiction.

The speaker then admits that they were fooling no one but themselves, a common experience for those who struggle with addiction. They eventually hit rock bottom and admit they need help, which leads them to climb down the tree of self-pity and let go of their ego. This journey towards self-awareness and humility is a crucial aspect of addiction recovery, as it requires individuals to confront their demons and take responsibility for their actions.

The poem then takes a spiritual turn, with the speaker acknowledging that they found faith and spirituality as a way to believe. This is an interesting development, as it highlights the role that spirituality can play in addiction recovery. By acknowledging a higher power and finding guidance in prayer, the speaker was able to find strength and purpose in their life. This is a common theme in addiction recovery, as many individuals find solace and meaning in spiritual or religious practices.

The poem ends on a hopeful note, with the speaker acknowledging that they were grateful to receive a second chance at life. They were freed from the destructive habits that had held them captive and were able to find their purpose in accordance with God's will. This is a powerful message of hope and resilience, suggesting that no matter how deep one's addiction may be, there is always the potential for recovery and redemption.

In terms of structure and style, the poem is relatively simple and straightforward, which works well for its message. The poem utilizes a consistent rhyme scheme, which adds to the overall flow and readability of the poem. The use of vivid imagery and powerful language helps to create an emotional impact on the reader, drawing them into the speaker's journey.

Overall, the poem "Once" by an anonymous author is a moving reflection on addiction, recovery, and the role of spirituality in that process. The poem offers a message of hope and resilience, highlighting the potential for transformation and redemption in the face of addiction. The poem's use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a lasting impact on the reader, inspiring them to seek help and embrace a new way of living.