I’ve swapped the bottle for a life
more prone to lifting than falling.
It was my calling to change my style,
be less a bear and share love.
And while I smile more, I’m taking
life more seriously. I wrap
myself in the comfort of family
which comes as quite the bargain.
In the end, I live longer knowing
that my weaknesses are showing.
But that’s OK. It just means I’m growing.
© Walter J. Wojtanik – 2018
THROUGH THE EYES OF A POET'S HEART 
Yes, a change in life, the serious smile 😊
I like some of the paradoxes you’ve embraced since your life change, particularly,
“And while I smile more, I’m taking life more seriously.” We don’t always take sides but slip down deep in the crack between them for a view of both. Thanks for sharing, Walter.
Good for you!! Your poem reflects how much better you feel! Family life is a priceless bargain!
Dwight
This is a well-written poem and a wonderful example of a change of mind for the better. If it is based on a true story, congratulations! 🙂
I hear smiling is healthy even when we don’t feel like smiling.
🙂
Well….if this is a true-for-you poem….then a hearty congratulations are in order — one day at a time, enjoying family; lifting rather than falling….smiling with instead of at. Change can affect much more than us…those around us benefit sometimes from a meaningful paradigm shift in our living.
Weaknesses are showing. You are known and that is okay. Love this trade!
Love that you take smiling seriously… love the poem
I love that last line.