A Dark Place in the Center: A Collection of Poems

On the subject of alcoholism, the language and publications of recovery literature run the gamut from self-help guides to inspiring stories. Author David Prinz Hufford-himself a recovered alcoholic who has been sober now for thirty years-adds his own voice to this topic in the form of this new collection of verse. His poetry spans the full range of alcoholism, from initiation at parties to full-blown chronic alcoholism to the change that comes only from hitting bottom. His words speak from experience, written by an insider who has lived the nightmare and found his way out to clear-headed wakefulness. Exploring a wide range of emotion and history, these verses were difficult to write; some are just as difficult to read, steeped in agony and despair. Even so, Hufford's message is not one of condemnation but instead of hope. Once a prisoner of alcoholism, he is now set free. He shares his painful road to inspire the lost ones-the people of Hufford's past, who feel hopelessly afraid and shackled to a drug that will not let go.

David Prinz Hufford has been writing poems for nearly seventy years. He has been in recovery for more than thirty years, which contributes to the diversity and range of his poetry. After teaching in two states and two foreign countries, he is now retired and living in Nebraska.