Bobby's Voice

(Please don't drink and drive)

A

 

Broken pelvis

 

A

 

Broken spine

 

Fractured bones

 

Was not enough damage done

 

To kill him

 

The Coroner's Report read

 

It was blunt force

 

Trama to his head

 

He sustained too much

 

Cranial damage

 

Pronounced dead at the scene

 

Of the accident

 

Yet the report also read

 

There were several minutes that had passed

 

After the impact

 

He was still alive

 

I wonder did he suffer long?

 

I wonder did he feel any pain?

 

I wonder what were his last thoughts?

 

The list of questions could on and on

 

Until I drive myself insane

 

It is a shame

 

A drunk driver is to blame

 

Someone who so carelessly

 

Got behind the wheel of an automobile

 

Someone who under the influence of alcohol

 

Decided they could handle it on their own

 

Decided not to take a taxicab home

 

Decided not use a designated driver

 

Decided

 

That is the key word

 

He made a decision

 

To drink and drive that fateful night

 

Choices

 

Another keyword

 

We need to be held responsible for the choices we make

 

Drunk or sober

 

We need to be held accountable

 

For our actions as a society and individually

 

So here I am a grieving mother

 

Writing words of poetry

 

Creating a voice

 

One that needs to be heard

 

Across the land

 

We need tougher laws in our states

 

We need early prevention in our schools

 

We need zero tolerance of alcohol on our roadways

 

We need stricter penalties for those who break the laws

 

My son is now a statistic

 

Though he is not without a name or a face

 

His name was "Bobby" and I am his voice

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Song of Mercy]

I was also struck by a drunk driver. I wrote a poem about it that I will publish in the future. I thank you. There is no end to the grief now, perhaps in the future. In regard to the poem, it was touching and powerful. Thank you for sharing this healing message. Also, my nick name is Bobbie. I don't know what difference that makes, but to me it seems significant. Thank you again. Barb

[Sarah]

This sends a powerful message & is heartbreaking to read. Poetically (is that even a word...?), I enjoyed the use of the shorter lines - very powerful. Nice job with this. :)

[Michelle Tarnowski]

There is nothing worse than to lose a child. I can only imagine what you have gone through. I prepare myself each day for that possibility. It could happen so easily. Your words are very powerful and chilling.

[Ladysue]

I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you. Excellent words! A very strong message. hugs my friend.

[JRB]

do not, will not and all should not, your thoughts ran deep and at times i saw the eternal sleep in your writing,

[Nicholas Hallows]

I don't really know how to review a poem like this.
It is a voice that needs to be heard. I can't understand anyone who decides to risk the lives of others.
I hope you can find some comfort in writing.
Best wishes.
NH

[Pj]

*hugs*

"Decided
That is the key word" >>so true...I'm sorry for your loss
If I could, I'd kick the drunk driver in the nuts for you Xx

[charlotte talley]

your words are so true. I'm sorry for your loss. but keep your head up, Bobby is looking down on you from above. He knows that he is missed from mom down below. all your questions will be answered one day in the by and by. I don't like drinking and driving it is very dangerous and crazy. but like you said we are responsible for our own actions. sorry again for your loss. I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU. GOD LOVES YOU DON'T FORGET THAT, AND HE HAS BOBBY VERY CLOSE TO HIM.

[Legion]

I lost two friends to drunk driving. One was the drunk driver. We were in high school. He was 17 (don't know where he got the alcohol) and flipped his car in a high speed turn. He came out of the window a bit and his head was crushed by the car. Luckily, his girlfriend in the passenger seat survived without any serious injuries. The other was hit by a drunk driver two blocks from his house on his way to the grocery store another two blocks away. He did not die, however he suffered severe brain damage as he was thrown through his windshield (he wasn't wearing his seatbelt and at the time it wasn't a law to do so where we lived) and now he has the mental capacity of a 4 to 5 year old. So, technically, he was lost. I know your pain to some extent. They weren't related to me, but we were pretty close. I agree with you in every sense about responsibility and about the penalities and education. Keep up the fight and I am sorry for your lose. Still think you should write a book.

[David Lewis Paget]

What can one say about such a deep personal loss except to empathise with you in your grief. It's hard enough losing parents, but to lose a child is tragic. I appreciate your write.
David.

[R J Askew]

'I wonder what his last thoughts were' is particularly moving for me, as is the line at the end 'My son is now a statistic'. Tis a terrible story, but you draw some strong messages and warnings from it which we all must listen to...esp the point about responsibility.