New at Bermondsey

This is my first time in this particular hall
Across, a hard chair hosts her first ever
She brushes invisible tears, leans against the wall

Clasps her bag tight like it's lucky heather,
To quell the thump-pound of a heart beating
I recognise that clutch as the fears gather.

The secretary gives her a warm AA greeting
Drinking tea that's been milked whilst it's still in the pot
I search faces for recognition and through the meeting

I sip timidly at my own tea which wishes to be hot
But doesn't quite manage it and I feel nervous and new
And conscious of how little I've grown , how much I forgot

"The tea needs hot water to properly brew;
I think and drink and slowly I stew