Death of An Innocent

I went to a party, Mom, I remembered what you said.
You told me not to drink, Mom, so I drank soda instead.
I really felt proud inside, Mom, the way you said I would.
I didn't drink and drive, Mom, even though the others said I should.
I know I did the right thing, Mom, I know you are always right.
Now the party is finally ending, Mom, as everyone is driving out of sight.
As I got into my car, Mom, I knew I'd get home in one piece.
Because of the way you raised me, so responsible and sweet.

I started to drive away, Mom, but as I pulled out into the road,
the other car didn't see me, Mom, and hit me like a load.
As I lay there on the pavement, Mom, I hear the policeman say,
the other guy is drunk, Mom, and now I'm the one who will pay.

I'm lying here dying, Mom. I wish you'd get here soon.
How could this happen to me, Mom? My life just burst like a balloon.
There is blood all around me, Mom, and most of it is mine.
I hear the medic say, Mom, I'll die in a short time.

I just wanted to tell you, Mom, I swear I didn't drink.
It was the others, Mom. The others didn't think.
He was probably at the same party as I.
The only difference is, he drank and I will die.

Why do people drink, Mom? It can ruin your whole life.
I'm feeling sharp pains now. Pains just like a knife.
The guy who hit me is walking, Mom, and I don't think it's fair.
I'm lying here dying and all he can do is stare.

Tell my brother not to cry, Mom. Tell Daddy to be brave.
And when I go to heaven, Mom, put "Daddy's Girl" on my grave.
Someone should have told him, Mom, not to drink and drive.
If only they had told him, Mom, I would still be alive.

My breath is getting shorter, Mom. I'm becoming very scared.
Please don't cry for me, Mom. When I needed you, you were always there.
I have one last question, Mom, before I say good bye.
I didn't drink and drive, so why am I the one to die?

-Anonymous

The above poem's message is simple yet necessary in today's society. Like the innocent victim in this poem, many die every year at the hands of a drunk driver. This is my attempt to tell you why this topic is near and dear to me. Please sit back and listen to one "Death of an Innocent."

Back in the early 1980's drinking and driving was not recognized as it is today. If it had been, this tragedy may have not occured, then again, the power of alcohol consumes it's own victim's.

This even took place July 5, 1981 in a small town. A 31 year old man, who was a fireman, died from drinking and driving. This man was my father and he was the drunk person. It all begins on a normal day as usual. I am not sure if my story is exact for I was only 3 when it happened, but I have tried to find out what did happen that July day. According to my aunt (sister of my father) He was driving a firetruck that wasn't his and he didn't know that it wasn't working. He was driving a little to fast going around a corner and when he hit the brakes they hear him yell "OH F*** the brakes are dead" Needless to say he didn't stop, ended flying out the window and hit a post and was killed instantly. What a stupid thing if you ask me, to be drunk while taking other lives into your hands. But I truly believe he wouldn't have been intoxicated had the firehall not had an illegal beer fridge in the hall, how stupid. It's partially their fault my father is dead and it slightly annoys me. Anyhow, he wasn't wearing his seatbelt, another law that was not enforced enough. Nevertheless, he rolled the firetruck and hit a post and was killed. Now why did this have to happen, I am not sure and I will never know why.

All I do know is that I never got to know my father and that I hate drinking and driving. It has taken too many lives with unecessary results. It not only kills those who die, but the families of those who have to pick up their lives and go on.
My mother did a pretty good job of raising two kids alone for a while. I know she did without a lot for us and I truly thank her for raising us to be who we are today, thanks.

But this is no excuse for drinking and driving. Too many people risk driving home while under the consumption of alcohol. Think about who's life you're playing with, your own, those with you and all other's on the road. That's a pretty big risk to take now isn't it? Think about it!!!