<p><em>Notes on Serenity: An ABC of Addiction&nbsp;</em>is a collection of poems and some prose, loosely linked by addiction and guided by the alphabet like a trellis for a climbing rose. When I first started with my Addict&rsquo;s Mom stories (not yet related to the group), I knew I&rsquo;d need a form to help me navigate the six-year project. Going backwards isn&rsquo;t highly recommended in the healing community, but for an older poet, reflecting is the source of story and image. When the task of getting enough pieces for a book became overwhelming, I&rsquo;d take breaks. Long ones. But I couldn&rsquo;t quit.The ABCdarien form helped guide me along.</p><p>I couldn&rsquo;t bury or burn the manuscript without putting it out there to break the silence. I gave my son veto power over any part, word, phrase, or the whole book. He took the loving path and even allowed me to add his own words at the end.</p>