Rolling in with the Waves
Updated: Sep 11, 2019

As with all life experiences, recovery (from trauma, illness, addiction or anything) has some features that are common to many, and others that are unique to each individual. Here, Matt and Alex combine their stories into a poem that voices their different experiences of roads to recovery, stages of the journey, and setbacks or roadblocks inevitably encountered on the way.
When I made it I couldn't believe it
Rolling in with the waves
Lived to tell the tale
Been on an alcohol binge
survived it all
what doesn't kill ya
makes you stronger.
Recovery was on the agenda
Lived to tell the tale
been drinking far too much
need to keep all that in touch
Hurt but alive
Rolling in with the waves
Lived to tell the tale
Look back with pride
finally safe alive
when I made it I couldn't believe it
friends lost or gone
friends I ran from
feeling frightened
I had survived - despite my best efforts
had to leave people behind
I had survived - still don't believe it
The road to recovery lies ahead
do I see it?
perhaps as horizon
I can't rush or run -
I'm not ready
damaged but not broken
hurt but alive
I must bide my time
live in limbo land
When I made it I couldn't believe it
Rolling in with the waves
Lived to tell the tale
wish I could always move forward
unlock the door and let the sun wash in
but I have a drawer full of weak excuses
When I made it I couldn't believe it
Rolling in with the waves
Lived to tell the tale
Recovery is like a flower
that blooms again in June
survived the storms of life
saw the dark side of the moon
walked on broken dreams
through lousy housing schemes
trying to find a way
to see a brighter day
When I made it I couldn't believe it
Rolling in with the waves
Lived to tell the t