I was inspired to write this poem from the many news stories I have seen and read about young people who have recklessly thrown their lives away by drinking and driving, or by driving with someone who is intoxicated.
We have all seen the scenario of parents attending the funerals of their children, yet the problem continues all over the United States. I do not wish to single out any certain age group, as drinking and driving and fatal accidents have been caused by many an adult. All age groups are affected. However, it disturbs me that, with graduation and prom season approaching, our nation's youth will be attending parties where alcohol is being served. I wrote this in hopes young people will realize they are not invincible and that bad things don't always happen to the other guy; because sometimes the other guy is them!
pipNote: Lisa's poem, previously posted here under her pen name Lia Fail, was subsequently picked up and published in "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Tough Stuff." We offer our congratulations to Lisa, and our appreciation to the publishers for their kind words about Passions in Poetry.
Screeching tires, shattering glass,
twisting metal, fiberglass.
The scene is set it all goes black,
The curtain raised the final act.
Sirens raging in the night,
sounds of horror, gasps of fright.
Intense pain, the smell of blood
tearing eyes begin to flood.
They pull out our bodies one by one,
What is going on, we were only having fun!
One of my friends is missing, what did I do?
Her scattered belongings everywhere,
in the road there lies her shoe.
A man is leaning over me and looking in my eyes,
"What were you thinking, son"?
"Did you really think that you could drive?"
He pulled up the sheet still looking in my eyes,
"If you'd only called your Mom or Dad, you'd still be alive!"
I started to scream, I started to yell;
But no one could hear me, no one could tell.
They put me in an ambulance; they took me away.
The doctor at the hospital exclaimed, "DOA!"
My father's in shock, my mother in tears,
she collapses in grief, overcome by the fear.
They take me to this house and place me in this box.
I keep asking what is happening,
But I cant make it stop.
Everyone is crying, my family is so sad.
I wish someone would answer me,
I'm starting to get mad.
My mother leans over me and kisses me good-bye,
My father pulling her away, she is screaming, "WHY"?
They lower my body into a dirt grave,
It feels so very cold, I yell to be saved.
Then I see an angel; I begin to cry.
Can you tell me what is happening?
she replies "YOU DIED."
I can't be dead; I'm still so young!
I want to do so many things - like sing, and dance, and run.
What about college or graduation day?
what about a wedding? Please - I want to stay.
The angel looked upon me, and with a saddened voice,
"It didn't have to end like this; you knew you had a choice."
"I'm sorry it's too late now; time I can't turn back."
"Your life is finished; that, my son, is a fact!"
Why did this happen? I didn't want to die!
The angel, she embraced me and with her words she sighed,
"Son, this is the consequence you paid to drink and drive.
I wish you made a better choice, If you did you would be alive.
It doesn't matter if you beg me, or plead on bended knee, There is
nothing I can do, you have to come with me."
Looking down at my family, I said my last good-bye.
"I'm sorry I disappointed you, Dad.
Mommy, please don't cry,
I didn't mean to hurt you, or cause you any pain.
I'm sorry all you're left with is a grave that bears my name.
I'm sorry all your dreams for me have all been ripped away;
the plans for my future all gathered in a grave.
It was such a stupid thing I did, I wish I could take it back;
But the curtain is being lowered.
SO ENDS THE FINAL ACT...
A message from the author: PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE IT DESTROYS
LIVES!!!
If you especially appreciated this author, we'll be happy to show you where you can find more of their poems
(c) 1999 Lisa Teller Please respect the rights of the author and Passions in Poetry. If you would like to use this poem on your own web page, please contact the Author. Thank you.
I like this only if i could get my brother to listen to me before it is to late
Alana
This poem really touched me. I am 13 years old and recited this poem for an oral in my English class. The whole class and my teacher were touched by the emotions of this amazing poem. Lets hope they remember it when they drive one day.
Sarah
My mom, dad, sister Anna and brother Pip died in a car crash with another car whose driver was twice over the limit. I was only 14 when that happened but the memories from it are still so clear in my mind at 16. Your poem has captured the emotion of the scenario and I just want my family back. I have to go on now without my whole family. This has affected me in the worst way possible don't let it affect you too. Don't drink and drive please.
jennifer
I loved this poem because my uncle was killed by a drunk driver in his own front yard the driver ran over him and the driver also also killed his two kids.
Whitney
this poem had a big impact on my life ilost one of may bestest friends in car accident by a drunk driver! no body is promised tomorrow and i really wish i had the talent u had to spread the word but. i don't! i stopped my boyfriend from doing it! ur an amazin writer! viewers plz think twice! if u was drinking and driving and died. do u think u would open ur eyes in god's presecence or in the portal's of hell, tourment, burning? with that my friend i let u go!
STEVEN
OH MY GOD. THIS WAS ONE OF THE MOST TOUCHING PEOMS I HAVE EVER READ. THANK YOU FOR THIS.
Tara
that was a really touching poem with some great advice to go with it
Krystal
This is a great poem and very sad because it's true. not to long ago some young girls died in my school for drinking and driving it's a real problem that we all face. please people don't drink and drive not only are you putting your life in risk but also other lives. DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE it has deadly consequences. in memory of abby and nedra you will ALWAYS be remembered. and in peace may you rest ps. ONCE AGAIN PLEASE. DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE
Danielle
I thought the poem was wonderdful. It was real and it really touched me. Thank you.
mary
this poem is great and it really showed me the dangers of drinking and driving. I will never do it.
amy
this is a great poem! it tugs at your heart strings!
franki
this is rele good. i liked it alot!
Cristina
wow, this poem really touched me. i can't believe i started to cry but this can happen. you are behond a great writer!
Brittany
I really love this poem it makes you stop and think about your friends and family. I have alot of friends that drink and I think this is a perfect poem to give to them.
brittney
i love this poem it reminds me of loosing people so close to you that you love even if you dont know who they are! it touched me so much i cry every tim ei hear it!
Cedric
I loved this poem. There are soo many young teens i have seen dead on arrival on my volunteer shift at the hospital whos lives could have been saved if they had just called someone to pick them up.
Shannon
This poem truely touched me when i read it in Chicken for the Teenage Soul on Tough Stuff. It is one of my favorite poems!
Daiva
it is great. it brought tears to my eyes it dose get the message across that it kills lives. i give it 10/10
Jaclyn
I first read this poem in chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Tough Stuff and I am actually writing a poem on drugs and alcohol right now for my english class. Hopefully I'll get an A! But really this poem really does seem like it's coming from an actual person in this situation. It's very emotional and realistic. Hopefully when people read this poem it will give them a better idea of the reality of drinking and driving. Thank you for writing this poem.
Kathrine
i thought that this poem was very touching i think i must have read it a hundred times and i am sill not sick of it. i think that if u keep writing poems like these then people might get the point and stop drinking and driving. (at least i hope that they will)
All Visitor Comments on this poem have been posted by people who wanted to let the author know the poem touched their hearts. If you would like to leave a comment of your own, please click the Vote button in the Response Panel above.
