Riding Shotgun

Speeding down the highway
I lament my life so far
and meanwhile Death is gleeful,
riding shotgun in my car.

So I crank up the volume,
speakers thrumming bass guitar,
but Death just seems to dig it,
riding shotgun in my car.

One child is an addict
and the other lives too far,
as Death adjusts the seat-back,
riding shotgun in my car.

My husband's soul is breaking
while his son's a big rock star,
and now Death is laughing,
riding shotgun in my car.

As I mourn my unborn grand-kids
his smile becomes bizarre,
for this is Death beside me,
riding shotgun in my car.

Crashing at 190 sure would
leave a massive scar,
and meanwhile death is grinning,
riding shotgun in my car.

©Danielle White
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Brown Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 2:41 AM
Congratulations on your poetry X2 making it through the first round . I wish you the best in the finals. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
May 31, 2010 at 10:35 AM
Congrats Danielle on both your entries making it to the first round of competition in Poetry Soup contest... way to go my friend... good luck.. luv.. Linda-Marie
Parrish-Spence Avatar
May 28, 2010 at 7:41 PM
This poem made me pause and reflect for a moment. It is very moving. The image I have of the car crashing. The repeat sentence "riding shotgun in my car" is grips your soul.
Jordan Avatar
May 28, 2010 at 6:05 PM
Danielle - wonderful flow in this poem - very well written piece - Congratulations on having your poetry featured this week, God Bless, mj
Johnson Avatar
May 28, 2010 at 4:30 PM
This is a truly great poem with rythm and meaning. Loved it. Joyce
Richards Avatar
May 28, 2010 at 8:29 AM
Such a powerhouse poem, I remember this one, and it is not forgettable.......a haunting poem, well worth reading once more. ~ Best wishes, Carrie
Mossburg Avatar
May 28, 2010 at 3:42 AM
Congratulations on being featured this week. This is certainly worth the attetion. Very well done.
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
May 25, 2010 at 9:28 AM
Congrats Danielle on the featured write. Vince
Muzzey Avatar
May 25, 2010 at 9:17 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week. A wonderful verse, I enjoyed the read. Caryl
Brown Avatar
May 25, 2010 at 5:23 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Danielle. May you have many more features and may you find loads of inspiration along the way. Love, Carol
Fisher Avatar
May 24, 2010 at 12:59 PM
Many congrats on your wonderful featured poem this week. Rgds Janette
Sweetheart Avatar
May 23, 2010 at 9:25 PM
Congrats Danielle on your featured poem this week on the Soup...wonderful words for sharing.. luv ..Linda-Marie..
Richards Avatar
August 20, 2009 at 7:41 AM
Oh my gosh, Danielle...I think this is the best you've written....so powerfully painful... This could be an amazing lyric, sung, bringing tears...so poignant, so soulfoul, sadly indentifiable for many people.
Brown Avatar
August 20, 2009 at 5:53 AM
Danielle, this is one of the best writes I have read today if not the best. It is sure to stay in my mind for awhile I am sure. Outstanding writing in every way. Love, Carol
Quintero Avatar
August 20, 2009 at 4:46 AM
Wow this is amazing. Great work. Jodie
..........O Avatar
August 20, 2009 at 3:08 AM
this is a powerful work that kicks your teeth out then takes your wallet.you feel the powerlessness and it makes you uneasy.it puts you in the back seat with out a belt or a doggie bag.stay on it.but give me the keys.o
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