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, though others said I should.
I know I did the right thing, Mom; I know you’re always right. The party finally ended, Mom; all were driving out of sight.
As I got in my car, Mom, I knew I’d get home in one piece
Because of how you raised me—so responsible and sweet.
I began to drive away, Mom, but as I pulled out on the road,
The other car didn’t see me, and he hit me like a load.
As I lay there on the pavement, I heard the policeman say, “The other guy is drunk, but this girl’s the one who’ll pay.”
I’m lying here dying. Mom; I wish you could be here soon.
How could this happen to me? My life’s burst like a balloon.
There’s blood all around me, Mom, I’ll die in an eye’s blink.
I just wanted to tell you, Mom, I swear I didn’t drink.
Why do people drink, Mom? It can ruin your whole life.
I’m feeling sharp pains now, Mom, as if cut by a knife.
The guy who hit me is walking. It just doesn’t seem fair.
I’m lying here, dying, Mom, and all he can do is stare.
Tell my brother not to cry, Mom. And tell Dad to be brave.
And when I get to heaven, put “Daddy’s Girl” on my grave.
Someone should have told that man not to drink and drive. If only they had told him, Mom, I might yet be alive.
My breath’s becoming shorter, Mom. My life is almost o’er. Please don’t cry for me. You couldn’t have loved me more.
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?”
[Editor’s note: Since no name was attached to this poem, some lines were altered to fit space limitations. While we can certainly sympathize with the father who wrote the letter on behalf of his son (in the preceding article), the poem illustrates what will have to be endured by the family of the victim. It is not just alcohol that youths must be wary of; the same is true of various drugs. The poem appeared in the same Spiritual Perspectives as the article.]