Damaged Merchandise is a book about hope and dreams. Even those lost in an
alcoholic or drug induce haze, have dreams. They were just lost or "damaged"
due to the abuse. With sobriety, came the knowledge that I needed to live in the
real world. Still, with reality it was OK to dream. And with reality, I achieved goals,
which I hoped would make my dreams come true! Damaged Merchandise is the
story of dreams coming true, while living in the real world.
Told through stories and poems, Damaged Merchandise: Poems and Stories of
an Alcoholic Addict, is my story. A story of destruction and damage, which 12
years later, I'm still trying to correct. At times, the poems leave the reader
wondering "what if?" and that's OK, because the final chapter, in my life has yet
to be written.
From homelessness, to ODing, failed suicides, running and hiding (both from
myself and the law), its all here. From drug dealing, to stealing, to hitch-hiking
the USA, the reader enters a world, where few go and fewer survive!
alcoholic or drug induce haze, have dreams. They were just lost or "damaged"
due to the abuse. With sobriety, came the knowledge that I needed to live in the
real world. Still, with reality it was OK to dream. And with reality, I achieved goals,
which I hoped would make my dreams come true! Damaged Merchandise is the
story of dreams coming true, while living in the real world.
Told through stories and poems, Damaged Merchandise: Poems and Stories of
an Alcoholic Addict, is my story. A story of destruction and damage, which 12
years later, I'm still trying to correct. At times, the poems leave the reader
wondering "what if?" and that's OK, because the final chapter, in my life has yet
to be written.
From homelessness, to ODing, failed suicides, running and hiding (both from
myself and the law), its all here. From drug dealing, to stealing, to hitch-hiking
the USA, the reader enters a world, where few go and fewer survive!
War Zone book facts
Pages: 100
Publisher: PublishAmerica
Category: Self-help
Copyright: September 2004
Release date February 6, 2006
ISBN
1-4137-6570-X
Pages: 100
Publisher: PublishAmerica
Category: Self-help
Copyright: September 2004
Release date February 6, 2006
ISBN
1-4137-6570-X
Excerpt:
Have you ever been to a larger size city and walked through their busy main streets? You'll look into the
windows and see merchandise, you've never seen before. You'll stop into a little cafe and try some "home
cooking." You'll watch the people walk by on the sidewalks, the cars behind them, racing in both directions.
Then reality sets in, ever so slowly, a dirty man, with torn clothes, has his hand out, begging for money. Some
look away, others feel pity, while still others are angry. I know, because I seen all these feelings when I was
homeless. I heard stories from the Bible, and was told to "get a job!" I was harassed, kicked and spit upon. It
didn't bother me, just please, give me your loose change. I grew up in a proud home (with what the outside
saw) that had strong values. But they didn't see inside the closed doors, it was quite dysfunctional. It was from
this craziness, that I survived. I survived homelessness, alcoholism, drug addiction, divorces, numerous court
cases and jail. That craziness made me who I am. That craziness gave me a life, it gave me an excuse. For
most of my adult life, my childhood ruled me. Marriages failed because of my parents. It was their fault I lost
jobs. On and on, it went. As long as it was their fault, I did not have to accept responsibility for my actions. That
was until my drinking could not be avoided. In court rooms, they didn't want to hear about "poor Dave." They
would not let me push my responsibility on someone else. Looking at many years in the penal system, the fear
of God set in, and I realized this was my last chance. Some would say, I quit to avoid jail. They are correct. But
that fear has kept me sober for over nine years. I still remember my last drunk, my first day in court, and my
first counseling session. I was defeated, scared, and totally hopeless. If I didn't go to court, there is little doubt
in my mind, that I would be dead. Either someone would have killed me, I would have killed myself, or
alcoholism would have done me in. While alcoholism, helped me survive many trials, it should be stated that,
all these trials I created! Sobriety, brought new challenges. Most people call this - life! Pay bills, accept
responsibility and try to rebuild burnt bridges. Sobriety gave me strength and courage to move forward. I am
so thankful, that my wife, Betty did not have to go through breast cancer alone. If I was drinking, I wouldn't
have been there for her, physically - maybe, spiritually - no way.
Have you ever been to a larger size city and walked through their busy main streets? You'll look into the
windows and see merchandise, you've never seen before. You'll stop into a little cafe and try some "home
cooking." You'll watch the people walk by on the sidewalks, the cars behind them, racing in both directions.
Then reality sets in, ever so slowly, a dirty man, with torn clothes, has his hand out, begging for money. Some
look away, others feel pity, while still others are angry. I know, because I seen all these feelings when I was
homeless. I heard stories from the Bible, and was told to "get a job!" I was harassed, kicked and spit upon. It
didn't bother me, just please, give me your loose change. I grew up in a proud home (with what the outside
saw) that had strong values. But they didn't see inside the closed doors, it was quite dysfunctional. It was from
this craziness, that I survived. I survived homelessness, alcoholism, drug addiction, divorces, numerous court
cases and jail. That craziness made me who I am. That craziness gave me a life, it gave me an excuse. For
most of my adult life, my childhood ruled me. Marriages failed because of my parents. It was their fault I lost
jobs. On and on, it went. As long as it was their fault, I did not have to accept responsibility for my actions. That
was until my drinking could not be avoided. In court rooms, they didn't want to hear about "poor Dave." They
would not let me push my responsibility on someone else. Looking at many years in the penal system, the fear
of God set in, and I realized this was my last chance. Some would say, I quit to avoid jail. They are correct. But
that fear has kept me sober for over nine years. I still remember my last drunk, my first day in court, and my
first counseling session. I was defeated, scared, and totally hopeless. If I didn't go to court, there is little doubt
in my mind, that I would be dead. Either someone would have killed me, I would have killed myself, or
alcoholism would have done me in. While alcoholism, helped me survive many trials, it should be stated that,
all these trials I created! Sobriety, brought new challenges. Most people call this - life! Pay bills, accept
responsibility and try to rebuild burnt bridges. Sobriety gave me strength and courage to move forward. I am
so thankful, that my wife, Betty did not have to go through breast cancer alone. If I was drinking, I wouldn't
have been there for her, physically - maybe, spiritually - no way.
Order your copy today...
What's been said about Damaged Merchandise
From PublishAmerica Executive Director, Miranda Prather, said that Harm's book "is a well written and crafted
work of contemporary poetry. Mr. Harm is a promising talent in his field." Read the whole article Overcoming
Addiction, Living a Dream.
Tom Osborne, US Congressman and former University of Nebraska football coach wrote, "Your book sounds
quite interesting. I commend you on your willingness and courage to share details of your situation with others.
I also appreciate your efforts to help people understand the ramifications of substance addiction. Like you, I
am deeply concerned about the alcohol problem facing the United States, particularly underage drinking
among our young children. It is devastating that in many cases it takes the loss of life for some to recognize
the severity of the problems associated with alcohol abuse. As a society, we can no longer have a complacent
attitude towards underage drinking if we want to stop the increased risk of harm that lasts well beyond our
youth's adolescent years. As parents, grandparents, teachers, and mentors, we owe it to our youth and the
communities in which we live to tackle these problems before they worsen."
From PublishAmerica Executive Director, Miranda Prather, said that Harm's book "is a well written and crafted
work of contemporary poetry. Mr. Harm is a promising talent in his field." Read the whole article Overcoming
Addiction, Living a Dream.
Tom Osborne, US Congressman and former University of Nebraska football coach wrote, "Your book sounds
quite interesting. I commend you on your willingness and courage to share details of your situation with others.
I also appreciate your efforts to help people understand the ramifications of substance addiction. Like you, I
am deeply concerned about the alcohol problem facing the United States, particularly underage drinking
among our young children. It is devastating that in many cases it takes the loss of life for some to recognize
the severity of the problems associated with alcohol abuse. As a society, we can no longer have a complacent
attitude towards underage drinking if we want to stop the increased risk of harm that lasts well beyond our
youth's adolescent years. As parents, grandparents, teachers, and mentors, we owe it to our youth and the
communities in which we live to tackle these problems before they worsen."
War Zone is the prequel to Damaged Merchandise. It
takes place 10 years before the poetry came alive. It is
the story of my first two years of sobriety and the demons
I battled, not only those within myself, but with those
around me. I realized that curing my addictions was only
half the battle. The other half was realizing that many of
my relationships were toxic to my own sobriety.
By reading my journals, you'll see the hell, I personally
created! A hell, which at times, I wasn't sure I wanted to
escape. I knew I couldn't go back, but I was scared to
move forward. War Zone begins a lifelong journey out of
hell, as I find the gifts and promises of sobriety.
With sobriety, I began a spiritual journey. An adventure,
filled with enlightenment and an awareness that I wasn't
alone. I continue to seek serenity and peace, in all my
surroundings. On this journey, I'm joined by Betty, my wife
of eight years.
I started '96 in divorce court. Sometime around March,
Janice moved across the state, to be closer to her family.
All reminders of my life as a married man, were now gone.
There was some depression, by the way the events
unfolded. But, from everything I had experienced, I
realized I just completed one hell of a journey. It was a
journey out of hell! For well over a year, I was in the
grieving process, burying "drunk Dave." A part of me
which help me survive. I know it was an insane way to live,
but "drunk Dave," led an exciting life. Maybe exciting isn't
the best word to use, but it was a life many people don't
get to experience. Homelessness, a couple of OD's, two
failed marriages before I was 40 years old, and a very
real spiritual awakening. For the first time, I was on my
own, but I wasn't alone. No more courts or counselors.
Nothing keeping me sober, except me and my Higher
Power! By June of '96, I was ready to change my program
of recovery, to a program of discovery. Don't get me
wrong, AA saved my life. Now I wanted a little more. I
didn't want to sit in meetings, talking about what I needed
to do. It was time to start doing it! I don't go to AA much
anymore, but I still try to live by the pratices I learned
there. My program of discovery would be taking that last
"leap of faith," and seeing what the world had to offer me.
It was also that "leap of faith," which would show me, that I
had something to offer the world. Within a month, I would
resign from my job and move. I believed, that for me to
grow, I needed to wipe the slate entirely clean. Anything
that I had while I was drinking, I needed to bury with
"drunk Dave." So with the clothes on my back, my old
dog, and an old Dodge, we headed down the road. It
wasn't as easy as I make it sound, but it needed to be
done. I left Seward, knowing I didn't run. I stayed to the
end! I also realized that I needed to remember the last
two years living there, because I would use it as my
foundation to stay sober. If any thoughts of drinking
would enter my mind, all I'd have to see, was an image of
four scared children, whom I verbally and physically
helped to destroy. AA says not to "dwell in the past." I
don't dwell in it, but I also don't want to forget it.
takes place 10 years before the poetry came alive. It is
the story of my first two years of sobriety and the demons
I battled, not only those within myself, but with those
around me. I realized that curing my addictions was only
half the battle. The other half was realizing that many of
my relationships were toxic to my own sobriety.
By reading my journals, you'll see the hell, I personally
created! A hell, which at times, I wasn't sure I wanted to
escape. I knew I couldn't go back, but I was scared to
move forward. War Zone begins a lifelong journey out of
hell, as I find the gifts and promises of sobriety.
With sobriety, I began a spiritual journey. An adventure,
filled with enlightenment and an awareness that I wasn't
alone. I continue to seek serenity and peace, in all my
surroundings. On this journey, I'm joined by Betty, my wife
of eight years.
I started '96 in divorce court. Sometime around March,
Janice moved across the state, to be closer to her family.
All reminders of my life as a married man, were now gone.
There was some depression, by the way the events
unfolded. But, from everything I had experienced, I
realized I just completed one hell of a journey. It was a
journey out of hell! For well over a year, I was in the
grieving process, burying "drunk Dave." A part of me
which help me survive. I know it was an insane way to live,
but "drunk Dave," led an exciting life. Maybe exciting isn't
the best word to use, but it was a life many people don't
get to experience. Homelessness, a couple of OD's, two
failed marriages before I was 40 years old, and a very
real spiritual awakening. For the first time, I was on my
own, but I wasn't alone. No more courts or counselors.
Nothing keeping me sober, except me and my Higher
Power! By June of '96, I was ready to change my program
of recovery, to a program of discovery. Don't get me
wrong, AA saved my life. Now I wanted a little more. I
didn't want to sit in meetings, talking about what I needed
to do. It was time to start doing it! I don't go to AA much
anymore, but I still try to live by the pratices I learned
there. My program of discovery would be taking that last
"leap of faith," and seeing what the world had to offer me.
It was also that "leap of faith," which would show me, that I
had something to offer the world. Within a month, I would
resign from my job and move. I believed, that for me to
grow, I needed to wipe the slate entirely clean. Anything
that I had while I was drinking, I needed to bury with
"drunk Dave." So with the clothes on my back, my old
dog, and an old Dodge, we headed down the road. It
wasn't as easy as I make it sound, but it needed to be
done. I left Seward, knowing I didn't run. I stayed to the
end! I also realized that I needed to remember the last
two years living there, because I would use it as my
foundation to stay sober. If any thoughts of drinking
would enter my mind, all I'd have to see, was an image of
four scared children, whom I verbally and physically
helped to destroy. AA says not to "dwell in the past." I
don't dwell in it, but I also don't want to forget it.
Quote from War Zone...
"It is so easy for human beings to get caught up with images and comparisons of others. Someone may have a
better house or a fancier car, but is that what I'm striving for?"
"It is so easy for human beings to get caught up with images and comparisons of others. Someone may have a
better house or a fancier car, but is that what I'm striving for?"
Book facts
Pages: 275 Publisher: PublishAmerica
Category: Inspirational Copyright: June 2004
Released - December 4, 2004
Pages: 275 Publisher: PublishAmerica
Category: Inspirational Copyright: June 2004
Released - December 4, 2004
| Order your copy today... |
From the publisher on their press release...
"We were already familiar with Mr. Harm's work from his first book, Damaged Merchandise, Poems and Stories
of an Alcoholic Addict, said Miranda Prather, executive director. 'War Zone, Backing out of Hell is another well
written and crafted contemporary work that fits our specialty like a glove."
"PublishAmerica primarily publishes works by, for or about people who face a challenge in life, and who
overcome it by turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones. We believe that Mr. Harm is an accomplished
talent in this field."
"We were already familiar with Mr. Harm's work from his first book, Damaged Merchandise, Poems and Stories
of an Alcoholic Addict, said Miranda Prather, executive director. 'War Zone, Backing out of Hell is another well
written and crafted contemporary work that fits our specialty like a glove."
"PublishAmerica primarily publishes works by, for or about people who face a challenge in life, and who
overcome it by turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones. We believe that Mr. Harm is an accomplished
talent in this field."
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