A Sober New Years

'Twas the eve of New Years when all through the hall
Not a member was stirring, nor sought alcohol.
Coffee and cookies were set out with care;
More members soon would be there.

Each grateful member with no trace of vanity,
Gave thanks to the Power that restores us to sanity.
The leader of the meeting, like all who have missions,
Assigned Chapter Five and the Twelve Traditions.

When outside the hall there arose such a clatter,
We sprang from our chairs to see what was the matter.
In parking a car some bumpers were hit,
The man who was wrong did promptly admit.

And so to our grateful eyes did appear
Our famous guest speaker, loved far and near.
More rapid than eagles the member then came;
He hugged them and kissed them and called them by name:

Hi, Linda; 'Yo, Jessie; God love you, Harry...
Patty and Sheila and Birthday boy Larry!
Again we all settled, ready to share;
The leader of the meeting led the Serenity Prayer.

As candles were lit and announcements were said,
we listened quietly as Chapter Five was read.
Some old timers were there and some members were new,
the Twelve Steps to follow, Twelve Traditions, too.

The Seventh Tradition inevitably came.
The leader then called on our speaker by name.
He wore his red suit, a fur cap and no tie,
But soon let us know with a wink of his eye,

"That New Years for us, we must learn to think,
means staying away from the very first drink".
A bundle of joys he told us we'd find,
"Read the Big Book" he said "for true peace of mind."

At the end of the meeting he led the Prayer
and gave us the word: "Continue to share."
I heard him exclaim as he picked up his pack,
"Happy New Year to all and Keep Coming Back!"