When I Leave This World

Inspired by the song "Last Kiss" by Pearl Jam


You had just gotten your first car, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air,
We were only seventeen years old and neither had a care,
You came over after school and asked me to go for a drive,
We longed for freedom of the road, we never felt so alive.

Always the gentleman, as you opened the powder blue door,
But, after tonight you would be doing this for me no more,
I remember how the moonlight shined off of the chrome,
When you picked me up and I would never return home.

I cannot ever stop thinking about and replaying our past,
I still remember your soft kiss, and it would be our last,
Because, this tender embrace would never happen again,
There was no way that either of us could've known it then.

The impact was so sudden that I felt almost no pain,
As the car swerved out of control into the other lane,
It all happened so fast, there was no time to scream,
Now my existence is a nightmare, just some bad dream.

My body grew cold fast, but I could still feel the heat,
Of the warm blood dripping down onto the leather seat,
I lay there silently, nearly lifeless, held against your shoulder,
It was then I realized that I would not be growing older.

The radio faded away as I closed my eyes for the last time,
What happened to me was an accident, and not a crime,
I will wait for you on this spot, by the very same tree,
Where most people don't notice, but some of them see.

It's an anniversary, it will be 58 years around midnight,
The misting rain and lingering fog will keep me from sight,
As the headlights go flying by, shining from modern cars,
I'm hoping one of them will be you to take me to the stars.

When I do leave this world, side by side we will stand,
And this bad dream will finally be over as you take my hand,
I am waiting to go to heaven, only you can bring me there,
In your brand new, powder blue 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Makama Avatar
January 28, 2016 at 12:12 PM
Flowing words emanating the tender peace of a calm slow running river. Thanks for this brilliant share.
Deschler Avatar
February 7, 2016 at 7:40 PM
You're very welcome, Funom. Thank you for reading!!
Dietrich Avatar
April 20, 2015 at 2:01 PM
Just read your reply to me. I wonder if I ever heard that Last Kiss song when I was a girl in the 60's. I just don't remember it, nor the Pearl Jam version!
Deschler Avatar
April 25, 2015 at 12:30 PM
The original song was sung by J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers in 1964. Pearl Jam remade it in 1999. Both versions can be found on YouTube... I was born in the 80's, but I listen to many music genres, including older music from the 50's and 60's.
Turner Avatar
April 15, 2015 at 1:40 AM
Wow, Wow, Wow. Brilliant, intelligently wrote. Thank you for such a lonely poem. #7
Deschler Avatar
April 17, 2015 at 6:32 PM
Thank you for taking the time to read my poem, Deborah. I truly appreciate your kind comments!
A   Avatar
April 13, 2015 at 1:13 AM
such a lovely write, enjoyed -p.d.
Vaso Avatar
April 12, 2015 at 1:07 AM
Loved this!
Deschler Avatar
April 16, 2015 at 11:50 PM
I'm so glad you did, Arthur!
Pinet Avatar
April 11, 2015 at 3:08 PM
You call upon an army of emotions to come forth from their slumber and carry you through this misadventure. Emile. #7
Deschler Avatar
April 16, 2015 at 3:01 PM
This story is fictional, but the emotions in it come from a very real place in my heart. We've all experienced love and loss, happiness and longing... I appreciate your kind comments. Thank you, Emile!
May Avatar
April 11, 2015 at 9:59 AM
A very moving write Kelly....well written...hugs
Deschler Avatar
April 16, 2015 at 2:49 PM
I really appreciate your nice comments. Thank you, Joseph!
Mcdaid Avatar
April 10, 2015 at 7:07 PM
outstanding beautiful pen kelly touching deeply a love forever that holds everlasting beauty inside sings truly a treasure gift wishing you a blessed weekend dear friend
Deschler Avatar
April 16, 2015 at 2:40 PM
I truly appreciate your lovely comments. Thank you so much, Liam!
La France Avatar
April 10, 2015 at 3:28 PM
Kelly, wow what an incredible write, I was absorbed in each word, it kept me captivated, so sadly beautiful as I like to say, a perfect 7, and thanks for visiting my poetry with your kind comment
Deschler Avatar
April 15, 2015 at 4:42 PM
I truly appreciate your kind comments. They really meant a lot to me!
Kendrick Avatar
April 10, 2015 at 12:30 PM
Very creative work..It has a very sad ending!! Thanks for dropping by..Sara
Deschler Avatar
April 15, 2015 at 4:17 PM
I really appreciate your kind comments. Thank you, Sara!
Dietrich Avatar
April 9, 2015 at 11:21 PM
Kelly, I really enjoyed this . It took me back to the songs of the 50's, like that one about Teen Angel!! That is one persistent ghost girl!!
Deschler Avatar
April 15, 2015 at 3:55 PM
Yes, she is very persistent. Her true love is worth waiting for... I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Andrea! I like to read ghost stories, so it was interesting to write one of my own... There were a few of these sad songs from the 50's, like Teen Angel. Last Kiss was originally recorded in the early 60's, then remade in the 90's by Pearl Jam.
Onclaud Avatar
April 9, 2015 at 2:04 AM
stirring me as your words wonderfully spoke of deep melancholia, kelly... somehow, i stood quiet while soaking both pain and longing... inimitable!.. huggs
Deschler Avatar
April 15, 2015 at 12:54 AM
I truly appreciate your kind words, they mean a lot to me. Thank you, Nette :) Hugs!
Yvonne Avatar
April 8, 2015 at 12:35 PM
A really great write inspired by a great song. It flows beautifully.
Deschler Avatar
April 13, 2015 at 10:31 PM
Thank you so much. I appreciate your nice comments, Armand.
Sathasivam Avatar
April 8, 2015 at 2:31 AM
Excellent. Very inspiring and beautiful memory write too. Enjoyed. Tfs
Deschler Avatar
April 13, 2015 at 10:24 PM
Thank you for your kind comments, Ravi... This is actually a fictional story. It was inspired by a song that is very emotional... Sometimes, it is interesting to write from another's perspective and create fantasy.
Allison Avatar
April 8, 2015 at 2:25 AM
you told such a vivid story Kelly - brilliant description - such a sad tale - it is a stunning write my friend - I love to listen to music it has inspired many a poem - a 7 from me:-) Hugs Jan xx
Deschler Avatar
April 13, 2015 at 10:00 PM
I truly appreciate your nice comments, Jan. Thank you so much! I love music, too. Several of my poems have been inspired by songs... Hugs :)
Kiser Avatar
April 8, 2015 at 12:31 AM
That was a beautiful memory, Kelly.
Deschler Avatar
April 12, 2015 at 1:12 AM
Thank you, M.L. This is actually a fictional story that was inspired by a song.
Kearley Avatar
April 7, 2015 at 11:57 PM
What a great write, inspired by a great song! :o)
Deschler Avatar
April 12, 2015 at 1:19 AM
Thank you very much, Dan. I've always liked that song. I heard it again the other day and it just made me want to write something...
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