A Mere College Prank

It started as a joke, a mere college prank,
the fraternity house having a good time;
far too much alcohol the pledges drank.
With all the young men being in their prime,
no one considered the likelihood of crime.

Around midnight they were having great fun
laughing and shouting without any cares;
with more liquor to drink they were not done.
The night was jubilant; they were putting on airs
‘til one drunken pledge slipped and fell down the stairs.

After smashing his head on the stoop below,
he lay motionless on the cold, hard ground;
his life was ended by the vicious blow.
They looked in disbelief as they gathered ‘round;
they stood there in shock without making a sound.

They waited awhile before making the call
to make sure they all had the story straight
so no one would be made to take the fall.
They said he was in his room, drinking late;
went out for a snack, slipped, and met his fate.

Their story was tight but cameras don’t lie;
it was there on the tape for all to see;
the videos shot down their alibi.
They went before the judge and bargained a plea;
got ten year’s probation but allowed to stay free.

But the family of the pledge who met his demise
feels justice wasn’t served and it’s not fair
to be left without answers and tears in their eyes.
They must live their life with their sadness to bear
while the brothers go free without any care.


November 26, 2017
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Tripp Avatar
November 29, 2017 at 10:12 PM
Wow. So sad for everyone involved. Heart wrenching story penned with such talent. Winner.
Gondolf Avatar
November 30, 2017 at 4:56 AM
Rhoda, thank you so much for your comments, they are appreciated. John
Hoffman Avatar
November 29, 2017 at 8:35 PM
Wow, I hope this is a fictional write John! An absolute awesome poem! Good luck in the contest!~Che :)
Gondolf Avatar
November 30, 2017 at 4:54 AM
Cheryl, thanks for your comments. This was inspired partially from an incident that happened here and partially from a show on TV.
Dietrich Avatar
November 28, 2017 at 6:53 PM
oh gosh, you showed the PERFECT way to showcase the theme of this challenge. Very well done, John. Can you imagine living with that guilt!!
Gondolf Avatar
November 28, 2017 at 8:41 PM
Thank you, Andrea, yes that would be a heavy burden to carry for the rest of your life.
Onclaud Avatar
November 26, 2017 at 2:09 PM
we just had a government hearing on a recent despicable hazing spree...this is a powerful poem so well crafted and devastating, john... huggs
Gondolf Avatar
November 27, 2017 at 8:09 PM
Nette, thank you so much for your comments.
Y. Avatar
November 26, 2017 at 12:05 PM
Hi John, This is so sad and devastating. How many times have we heard of similar stories such as this on the news? My heart goes out to the victim, their family and the the youngsters invovled. This type of behavior have been going in fraternities for many years. And it has too change. What started out as a joke turned into a nightmare. I found this to be well written write on a revalent issue. Best wishes in the contest- Alexis
Gondolf Avatar
November 27, 2017 at 8:08 PM
Alexis, thank you for your comments and your visit.
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