Death of an Innocent

A poem by David Riddell
Dedicated to the Memory of Wendy Lynn
and all who have given life to a drunk driver.

I went to a party, Mom, I remember what you said.
You told me not to drink, Mom, so I drank soda instead
I felt real proud inside Mom, the way you said I would
I didn't drink and drive, though the others said I should
I know I did the right thing Mom, I know you're always right
Now the party's finally ending Mom, they're 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, Mom, 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, it hit me like a load
As I lay there on the pavement, Mom, I heard the policeman say
The other guy is drunk, Mom,  I'm the one to pay

I'm lying here dying, Mom, I wish you'd get here soon
How could this be happening to me, Mom, my life just burst like a balloon
There is blood all around me, Mom, and most of it is mine
I hear the medic say, Mom, I'll die in a short time
I just want 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, Mom,
But he drank and I will die
Why do people have to drink, Mom, it can ruin your life
I'm feeling sharp pains now, Mom, pains just like a knife
The guy who hit me is walking,Mom, and I don't think it's fair
I'm lying here dying, Mom, and all he does is stare
...
Tell my brother not to cry, Mom, tell Daddy to be brave
And when I  go to Heaven, Mom,  put "Daddy's Girl" upon my stone
Someone should have taught him, Mom, not to drink and drive
If only they had taught him, Mom, I would 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 there
.
I have one last question, Mom, I didn't drink and drive,
Mom, so why am I the one to die?

 Wendy . . age four, 1968
***comment from Webmaster, Wendy's dad . . .
This page has been around the globe and I have received numerous guestbook comments and personal email about the
reach of this page to daughters, granddaughters, friends and relatives who drink and drive/ride.
PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE

Send this card to someone who needs peace, stability, sobriety, compassion, sympathy . . . ????  Send this card to someone you love !
Send this card to someone who needs Jesus !!