O Dionysos Akmē,
hear me Meilichiē,
my precious Amethystos,
who has been with me through the bad
and the good both, and is with me even now;
God who saves, Lord who releases,
bestower of sober intoxication,
you who cause our spirits to leap in ecstasy
when you are near, I beseech you to continue
to stand with me as I face this trial,
and confront the monster within me.
Where craving rises, grant me fortitude.
What stumbling blocks there be, may I sidestep them.
When I feel weak, kindle steady strength in my breast.
Teach me the balance between freedom and restraint,
that I may not be ruled by what I consume,
since you demand that your people submit
to none but you, O ferocious Father Freedom.
Turn my longing toward life, not escape,
and guide me gently back to myself,
Labyrinthodespotēs and Maiandrios,
and in your overflowing generosity
help me to be whole again,
and deal with the pain at the heart of it all,
so I don’t feel the constant need to fill the chasm,
or to numb myself.
Rejoice, Dionysos—
and be gracious.