01:17

Poem - Waterbearer

by Shannon Butt

Rated
4.5
Type
talks
Activity
Meditation
Suitable for
Everyone
Plays
110

*Water noise and music in the background. This poem was written at a time when Shannon was struggling with addiction and sobriety. She is proudly 3 years sober. Have a listen, it might help you through a moment of hardship. Addiction is not a fault, it doesn't mean anything is wrong with you, and everyone experiences it on some level, be it alcohol shopping or working out. You are not a burden. You are not a mistake. Listen to this poem and know it gets better. Perhaps you might try to write a poem yourself!

WaterMusicAddictionSobrietySelf AcceptanceHopeWritingDeathShameTransformationDeath ContemplationAddiction RecoveryShame ExplorationSelf TransformationHardshipsOceansOcean MetaphorsPoems

Transcript

I foresaw my fate.

Death by drowning.

Relentless waves rocked my resilience.

Did she walk too close on purpose?

Perhaps even I will not know.

My reverence for the sacred sea was birthed from my trust in her power.

She is capable of taking breath away.

Death,

After choice,

Is the ultimate freedom.

Oceans became small rivers.

I turned water into wine.

Drank an ocean to replace what I could no longer see.

Stale booze spills from pores.

Illusions of peace carbonated in just one word.

Undertow of addiction held me too long.

The only drowning I did was in shame,

When I only had to learn how to swim.

Water bearer.

Meet your Teacher

Shannon ButtPerth, ON, Canada

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© 2026 Shannon Butt. All rights reserved. All copyright in this work remains with the original creator. No part of this material may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

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