In the late '90s I began working with alcohol and drug addicted Native American Indian kids. I frequently took them into my home if they were not getting the support they needed in their own homes. I provided a clean and sober living environment for them. When I began taking them to "meetings" at 12 step programmes, I ran across a fellow, I knew from the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, a man called Barton. He shared this piece with me and gave me permission to publish it. I now share it with others who may need a little boost in their sobriety or for those living with addicts and alcoholics in their lives.

I always told my kids, "I believe 'God' / 'Great Spirit' is a river that flows through the universe. That river flows through you and me. "These Rooms" are the banks of that river. If you stay close to the banks of the river, everything you want or need will float by; all you need to do is reach out and touch it to claim it as your own."

In These Rooms
by Barton

In these rooms

I have bared what was left of my sorry soul
I have shed tears that, until this time, fell only on deaf ears
I have held the hands of those I would never before have touched
And I have found what was once lost in a world that only cares for itself.

In these rooms

I have seen pain that can only be compared with chilldbirth
I have heard stories worthy of telling others for many lifetimes
I have seen many who could not accept the gift that is continually offered
And I have found love so pure that no one willing could deny its existence.

In these rooms

I have watched as gentle people threw themselves back to the wolves
I have prayed with those who, like myself, could not believe
I have wept for others who, until now, I would never have noticed
And I have found a truth, that for most, is as elusive as the holy grail

In these rooms

I have fallen in love, made and lost friends and let you love me
I have been touched so deeply, and I pray that I will never forget
I have made promises for the promises that have been promised to me
And I have found God, not in the heavens, but in the hearts of those

In these rooms

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