Written for me

Arylene Written by A Past Resident of White Oaks

White Oaks was the place

Where I first saw Arylene’s face.

Before I met her I was a week here

But she came recommended as counsellor of the year.

Just like us, she’s an addict too,

She understands what we’ve been through.

A time, when with drugs she used to dwell,

Her life in the pits of Hell!!

To the outside world all seemed fine

But that wasn’t the case in her mind.

Her stories we love to listen to,

Being in London, a woman in blue.

She battled with drink, she battled with drugs

And Sasha she relied on for the hugs.

This little doggie was her side kick,

Who was with her through thin and thick.

But all too soon Sasha had to leave

And now in Heaven she looks after Arylene, I believe.

Sadly another loss she suffered as well,

When Siobhan, her daughter passed, Arylene’s life fell.

Yet a Mother she will always be

Even though Siobhan we do not see.

At the weekend we love to see her come

She brings life to the place, joy and fun.

Without Arylene we’d all be lost

Even though we’re the residents and she’s the boss.

She doesn’t look the counsellor type

Yet she’s a woman you can’t help but like.

With piercings and tattoos for all to see

Some might think she’s the nut on the tree.

She has been to college and is a graduate

For this woman to be alive is more than fate.

She’s worked her butt off, just to get here

By giving up the drugs and the beer.

We all admire her for all she’s done

For though she’s lost, in the end she’s won.

To get this far by fighting all the way

She’s fucking great, what more can I say.

So on your journey Arylene, you’re still driving

And I hope and pray you go on thriving.

We look and see all the hope in you

For us whose lives were shit too.

And so Arylene, we think you’re wonderful

To all of us, truly inspirational.