"The Death Of An Innocent"

Author Unknown

Let's put behind us once and for all the idea that substance abuse is a victimless crime. Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines victim as "one that is acted on and usually adversely affected by a force or agent." By this definition drug abuse is a crime with multiple victims. This powerful piece of poetry makes the case very eloquently, and brings home the reason we fight so hard against the spectre of drugs.

 

        I went to a party, mom,
        I remembered what you said.
        You told me not to drink, mom,
        So I drank soda instead.

        I felt really 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're always right.
        Now the party is finally ending, mom,
        As everyone drives 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, mom,
        So responsible and sweet.

        I started to drive away, mom,
        But as I pulled onto the road,
        The other driver didn't see me, mom,
        And he hit me like a load.

        As I lie here on the pavement, mom,
        I hear the policeman say,
        The other guy is drunk, mom,
        And now I'm the one who'll pay.

        I'm lying here dying, mom,
        I wish you'd get here soon.
        How come this happened to me, mom?
        My life bursts like a balloon.

        There is blood all around me, mom, 
        Most of it is mine.
        I hear the paramedic say, mom,
        I'll die in a very 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 didn't know where he was going, mom,
        He was probably at the same party as I,
        The difference is, mom,
        He drank, and I will die.

        Why do people drink, mom?
        It can ruin your whole life.
        I'm feeling sharp pains now, mom,
        Pains just like a knife.

        The guy who hit me is walking, mom,
        I don't think that is fair;
        I'm lying here dying, mom,
        While 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,
        Write "Daddy's Girl" on my grave.

        Someone should have told him, mom,
        Not to drink and drive.
        If only they would have taken time, mom,
        I would still be alive.

        My breath is getting shorter, mom,
        I'm becoming very scared.
        Please don't cry for me, mom,
        Because when I needed you, you were always there.

        I have one last question, mom,
        Before I say good-bye,
        I didn't ever drink, mom,
        So why am I to die?

        This is the end, mom,
        I wish I could look you in the eye,
        To say these final words, mom,
        I love you and good-bye.

 

 
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