Time for Graduation not the “Death of an Innocent”

Congratulations to all 2012 high school graduates! You have reached another milestone in you life. Over the next few months, you will most likely be attending graduation parties of your classmates. This time of celebration can also put you in situations where alcohol is present. You may think having a few drinks to celebrate is a “rite of passage”; you earned it; you worked hard; you are an adult now. Unfortunately, alcohol cause devastating consequences and painful memories that will last a lifetime. Do not believe that just because you are not driving under the influence or riding with a drunk driver, that you are protected. Alcohol can and does take innocent lives. I hope everyone reads this poem and remembers it before getting behind the wheel. This could be you or someone you love.

“Death of an Innocent” ~ Author Unknown

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 heard 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 didn't think it is fair.

I'm Lying here dying, Mom,

And all he can do is stare.

Tell my brother to not 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 goodbye.

I didn't drink and drive,

So why am I the one to Die?