To the Man Who Almost Killed Me

Don’t involve me in your suicide!
Did you see me coming,
On that lonely alpine bend?

Nowhere to turn,
Cliff wall to the right,
River to the left.

I hit the brakes,
But you kept coming.
Just stay in your lane!

The A.M. shift would miss me this morning.
Instead, they would pry me from my smoking car.
Pain breaking across me with every gasp.

Thanks! I spent Thanksgiving in the I.C.U.      
They carefully knitted my bones with titanium.
I  have a metal souvenir in my knee.

The scars have mostly faded now.
A plastic surgeon reattached my nose.
Still as good looking as ever.   

You could have carried more car insurance.
I spent it well.
But I have questions.

What were you drinking that night?
Why did you try to drive?
Why did you choose me?

Guess it doesn’t matter now!
It was you last drink.
The front end of my car was your last vision.

It is eerie to be apart of a stranger’s death.
Even just as a misfortunate target.
Our opposing forces snuffed your life.

You did not suffer like I did.
I still remember their coded description.
D.O.A. (Better known as dead on arrival.)

If somehow I could say three words,
To your drunken face,
It would sound like this,


                                                  “I forgive you.”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Breidenthal Avatar
May 31, 2011 at 5:55 PM
Very nicely written. I enjoy reading your poetry immensely. I just thought you should know. I am greatful to have stumbled upon your artistic creations. ~Laura
Agtani Avatar
May 30, 2011 at 1:06 PM
Very nice narrative account of what happened to you. Your message of forgiveness will bless you forever. Thank you for reading my poem. Looks like you have a wing! bzzzzz! Nice meeting you in poetry soup. Dalila
 Avatar
May 30, 2011 at 8:12 AM
A very powerful poem. MADD may find this a good addition to their campaigns against drunk driving.
Puddifoot Avatar
May 30, 2011 at 4:24 AM
this is obviously a true account of a shattering incident, it's very well written and the three-line stanzas work well, your poetry leaves an impression on me...
Fiery Avatar
May 29, 2011 at 10:39 PM
The road accidents in calcutta is very frequen too. It makes me mad when I see a drunk ! I read this before also . I shall always pray for your safety . God bless you . . .
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace