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

[Emily B]

Excellent words, it is a shame your son couldn't be with you to echo your important message. It is important to educate and to strengthen laws against drunk driving.

[Valentine]

Perhaps in his last thinking moments he asked God into his heart and told Him how much he regretted having to leave you..He still loves you only from afar..I also lost a child and it never leaves ones heart but it does lessen in time..Hang on to the sweet memories ..God bless..Valentine

[a]

This is heartbreaking, indeed. But speaking poetryvise - not of high class, this is a short story, a publicistic write written as a poem. Last three lines can be called poetry, but all the rest, no, that is hardly poetry. It's like a cut out of a newspaper or a diary. This could be well formed as an essey.
thank you!

[alternative_be]

Reading your work, I feel for you.
I also wonder why everybody knows that drinking and driving do not go together well, every day in every country of the world, people get behind the wheel while being drunk.
I also know that on many occasions other people make efforts to stop them driving but do not succeed ...
Bringing yourself in danger is one thing but bringing others in danger that is unforgivable.
Why cannot they stop to think? The answer is simple but horrifying: they are too drunk to think straight!
But that does not take away your pain or brings your son back.
Writing can be therapeutical, I hope it helps you in some way.
I also hope that some people out there will get the message or otherwise that you keep on writing until they do.

[Bhavya Kaushik]

You made my eyes wet after reading this piece...
It is so sad and full of grief and sorrow...
I can understand how does it feel like, losing someone so close....
I'm sorry....

[poetic soul]

its deep, intense and a moving one.... i m so sorry for your loss dear! may God give you the strength to carry on....i recently had a friend struck by a drunk driver and is in bed since last 6 months! its really sad to know that people can be so careless.......and insensitive! hope everyone reads this and makes sure never to "Drink and Drive!!!

God Bless You!

:) Smiles,
Poetic Soul

[EmpressPoetess]

Again, I am so sorry for your loss and your heartache. This is another beautifully written ode, sad as the subject is. Because of your deep love for him, Bobby will live on.

[Lena M. P.]

I lost my best friend to a drunk driver and the other friend in the car will never be the same again. I lost my boy friend in high school for the same reason. In both cases the drunks lived, the innocents didn't. You spoke out for your son well. I hope others listen.

[Voice]

This is very deep and I'm so sorry for your loss. There was actually a fatal car accident down the street from me yesterday and it has had me thinking...I understand as you the damage alcohol and drugs can have on a family...it is always a harsh reminder of that word "choices" which we truly all have to make...and what we all have to live with. I can assure you though that your voice and you sons story will be heard...continue to fight because we are listening...

Voice

[Kena Dawn Augustine]

Oh my gosh, debileah, that struck a emotional chord in me That was some heavy material, and you sure are a strong woman to have gone through all that!!! i commend you for being Bobby's "voice" and yes, it is sad when drunk drivers get on the road, putting others in danger. whenever the though of me causing an accident occurs in my head (not drunk related) i worry more about others...people who drink alcohol don't think clearly,, and dont' have rational judgement.

and yes....more word has to go out about that, and how to prevent this stuff from happening, and making people a statistic.

you are brave for sharing this. thanks debileah.

kena