DEATH  OF  AN  INNOCENT

 Remember the party I went to, 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, because 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 must 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 only live for 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 like a sharp 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 LITTLE 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 getting really scared.

 Please don't cry for me, Mom.  When I needed you, you were always there, 
listening to everything I'd had to say, including the dreams for
my future that I wanted share.

 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?

I first rec'd this poem in 1991 when I ran a Bulletin Board (BBS). It's stuck with me ever since the first time I read it. I still can't get through it with dry eyes.

Life is so precious, people tend to forget that. I hope this makes people think a little more often about what choices they make and how it could affect others.
Over the last few months, I've seen this same poem on several sites. There's some changes here and there, but it's got the same heart-wrenching message. In any case, I'm glad it's so popular!
If this poem has made you think, please pass it on to another person. Spread the word.

Party responsibly, Please! If not for **YOURSELF**, then do it for those who have no control as to what you choose to do.

Remember....
Don't take the chance and let someone you love become a statistic. Fight drunk driving by not doing it yourself.

© 1997 scryneye@nycap.rr.com

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