AA Meeting is an evocative narrative poem that explores the complexities of early sobriety, human connection, and the surprising moments of support and understanding that can arise in the most unexpected ways.
The poem begins with a focus on an external irritant: "The hand kept at its drum, / quaking the entire church hall / it seemed." This repetitive drumming symbolizes both the distraction and internal turmoil the speaker feels, a common experience for someone in the early stages of recovery. The speaker's irritation is palpable, underscored by their "scowl left / to give a hint," which "to no avail," fails to stop the drumming. This sets the scene for the poem’s tension and the speaker's struggle for control and peace.
On "sober day five," a critical and fragile stage in recovery, the speaker's frustration culminates in an impulsive action: "my own hand shot out at his, / stilling its chair rap." This moment is charged with both surprise and tension, illustrating the raw nerves and heightened sensitivity of early sobriety. The suddenness of the action shocks the speaker: "At once / I was stunned by my action." This underscores the unpredictable nature of emotions and reactions during this vulnerable period.
The focus shifts as "Eyes in the circle homed in / to the site of touch," heightening the sense of scrutiny and pressure. This moment of physical contact, unexpected and intense, triggers the speaker's urge to use again: "and I wanted to use right then." This line poignantly captures the constant struggle and the omnipresent temptation of relapse, even in a setting meant for support and healing.
The poem takes a transformative turn with the revelation: "But this was not the hand / of a child being disciplined. / It neither cowered nor shook free. / It held my own in embrace." This touch, instead of being rebuffed or escalating into conflict, becomes an unexpected source of comfort and connection. The physical contact is redefined from a moment of aggression to one of mutual support, symbolizing the potential for understanding and solidarity in recovery.
The final lines offer a powerful resolution: "the whole meeting through, / and I spoke for the first time." This embrace, sustained through the meeting, empowers the speaker to break their silence. Speaking for the first time in such a setting is a significant milestone, symbolizing the breaking of internal barriers and the beginning of true engagement with the recovery process.
In summary, AA Meeting is a deeply human exploration of the struggles of early sobriety, the unexpected sources of support, and the transformative power of connection and understanding. The poem vividly captures the tension, vulnerability, and moments of grace that define the journey to recovery.
AA Meeting is an evocative narrative poem that explores the complexities of early sobriety, human connection, and the surprising moments of support and understanding that can arise in the most unexpected ways.
The poem begins with a focus on an external irritant: "The hand kept at its drum, / quaking the entire church hall / it seemed." This repetitive drumming symbolizes both the distraction and internal turmoil the speaker feels, a common experience for someone in the early stages of recovery. The speaker's irritation is palpable, underscored by their "scowl left / to give a hint," which "to no avail," fails to stop the drumming. This sets the scene for the poem’s tension and the speaker's struggle for control and peace.
On "sober day five," a critical and fragile stage in recovery, the speaker's frustration culminates in an impulsive action: "my own hand shot out at his, / stilling its chair rap." This moment is charged with both surprise and tension, illustrating the raw nerves and heightened sensitivity of early sobriety. The suddenness of the action shocks the speaker: "At once / I was stunned by my action." This underscores the unpredictable nature of emotions and reactions during this vulnerable period.
The focus shifts as "Eyes in the circle homed in / to the site of touch," heightening the sense of scrutiny and pressure. This moment of physical contact, unexpected and intense, triggers the speaker's urge to use again: "and I wanted to use right then." This line poignantly captures the constant struggle and the omnipresent temptation of relapse, even in a setting meant for support and healing.
The poem takes a transformative turn with the revelation: "But this was not the hand / of a child being disciplined. / It neither cowered nor shook free. / It held my own in embrace." This touch, instead of being rebuffed or escalating into conflict, becomes an unexpected source of comfort and connection. The physical contact is redefined from a moment of aggression to one of mutual support, symbolizing the potential for understanding and solidarity in recovery.
The final lines offer a powerful resolution: "the whole meeting through, / and I spoke for the first time." This embrace, sustained through the meeting, empowers the speaker to break their silence. Speaking for the first time in such a setting is a significant milestone, symbolizing the breaking of internal barriers and the beginning of true engagement with the recovery process.
In summary, AA Meeting is a deeply human exploration of the struggles of early sobriety, the unexpected sources of support, and the transformative power of connection and understanding. The poem vividly captures the tension, vulnerability, and moments of grace that define the journey to recovery.