Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Sobriety: 29 years




Ich komme aus meinen Schwingen heim -by Rainier Maria Rilke

I come home from the soaring in which I lost myself.
I was song, and the refrain which is God
is still roaring in my ears.

Now I am still
and plain:
no more words.

To the others I was like a wind:
I made them shake.
I’d gone very far, as far as the angels,
and high, where light thins into nothing.

But deep in the darkness is God.


                                            -from Rilke's Book of Hours – Love Poems to God



As I have since this blog's inception, on the day of my sobriety anniversary I publish this treasured Rilke poem, but with a new image each year.
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14 comments:

Helen said...

Brava, brava .....

English Rider said...

29 years is the age of my daughter. It's a whole life. You earned yourself a life:) What a prize!

kj said...

Just about 29 years for me too, Lydia. Thank you universe :-)

Love
kj

Fireblossom said...

The Rilke poem brought tears to my eyes. No one knows like someone who has been there, and we're both at 29 this year. Congratulations!

For myself, I still blink in astonishment that sobriety has come to me, and stayed. I feel as if I'm living a parallel life, some sort of Bonus Round given to me by the Divine. It's like being plucked from the shipwreck waves by angels. Why me? Why the girl with the hungry hole in her soul? Because Somebody Up There Loves Me, I think. I can't insult that gift by picking up again. Not today. Not this 24 hours.

I'm so proud of you, girl. Your sobriety is a gift to everyone who comes into contact with you; your family, your pets, your bloggy friends, too. Shine on.

susan said...

Congratulations on your sobriety. Even after all this time I know it must feel amazing to be free of addiction.

The poem is a true masterpiece - and the picture you've chosen comes close.

Lydia said...

Helen~ Gratitude!

English Rider~ Your comment has come to mind often since I read it. What a different way of looking at the last 29 years. I am appreciative for this insight!

kj~ How about that? And see the next comment from Fireblossom. We are the 29-Club. If you two are not familiar with one anothers blogs I certainly recommend touching base!

Fireblossom~ Your words are such blessings in themselves. No one can say it like you can! If you read this, please also read my comment above to kj....much in common.

susan~ Yes, it is, as expressed so beautifully by Fireblossom in her comments. I so love this poem, and really do seriously seek an appropriate new image each year. It is something I look forward to. :)

mythopolis said...

So happy for you. I have a son who struggles...3 years of sobriety is the most he has been able to manage. He does keep trying, and I keep loving him through it. Hugs!

Rob-bear said...

Congratulations on you 29 years of (more or less contented) sobriety. That is very well done.

Blessings and Bear hugs!

Lydia said...

Lester~ Thank you to you and your wise brother.:)

mythopolis~ You are a fine friend and a wonderfully supportive dad. He will do this; it will stick one of these tries.

Rob-bear~ Thanks. I guess 29 years of more or less contented anything is quite something!

Grandmother Mary said...

Well done. A gift to you, a gift to others. Brava! But also grace.

Kathe W. said...

bravissima my friend!

Rosaria Williams said...


a voyage starts, becomes a commitment, matures into an armor that protects the voyager and sustains her on the road...

Brian Miller said...

good on you...29 years...nice...quite the accomplishment...and i wish all the more for you....

i hope you have been doing well lydia...

cathwrynn said...

congratulations...

how marvelous this world wide web that connects so many people of similar spirit.

What to say after rilke?

*hand on heart

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