I’m very new to this kind of platform, so please forgive my less-than savvy tech skills for now. I’ll start off with one of my recent pieces, which is actually a sister poem to one I wrote 15 years ago-the beginning of my sober life journey. I share this one first because it is the most relevant to My Now, my current life. I’ll share the other shortly. Here goes nothin’! The Unbroken (sister piece to “Damaged”, March 2011) I was damaged. You know that story now, But the definition changes when you make it through somehow. I’m still not even close to broken, No, I'm thriving and alive. I took back the life I squandered then, and with it, my will to survive. but I felt so damaged, then.. My existence was so vague… a ghost in the machine. Just an insignificant pawn in a cold and toxic scene. That self-will did run riot, kept my sickness sharp and strong. I kept fighting with those demons, always knowing I was wrong. I was living to die, that old selfish, blind decree. Lost in the chase, I was, a false sense of being free. Announcing my demise on that bloody old marquis. It was a loop I couldn't break; a painful guarantee. My loved ones all around me watched in silence and dismay; In horror and in shock as I dug my own grave. …day after day. By cutting myself short of living, we all fell down together; I dragged them deep into my sickness; Into my hell they were now tethered. And so the damage was done, the fallout scattered wide… But now, fifteen years later, they’re all still standing by my side. If pain was the anchor, then it was love that cut the chain. Now every day forward I work to wash away the stain. It is my burden and my honor to help others with this gift; So their stories can be filled with healing, and the peace and love that gives. by Joshua Cremeans-Smiley January 1, 2026 I’m very open to critique, comments, suggestions etc. lay it on me! How is my stanza structuring? Would love feedback! And please, don’t be afraid to share your own works.