Twelve steps to atonement for alcoholism’s hurts
How I wish I had such a clear, straight path
Well-maintained
Sign-posted
Broad shallow rock-defined gravel-filled steps
On the trail to the summit of atonement

Perhaps atonement would be easier
had I not eschewed my family’s generational 
alcohol-soaked sin

Perhaps atonement would be easier
had I not eschewed my family’s generational
 Jesus-soaked faith

Perhaps atonement would be easier
had I not eschewed my family’s generational
French-rooted home

Perhaps atonement would be easier
had I become a quite different I
A New Orleans alcoholic Cajun Catholic
Perhaps, but probably not