A Second Chance
I saw the lights heard the screams.
I felt the impact Is this a dream?
I feel my body flying through the air
Then slammed to the ground - what a scare.
The smell of oil, gas and anti freeze
Fills the dark and scents the breeze.
Moans, screams and crying; what an eerie sound.
Fresh blood steams in the cool of night as it
pools on the ground.
I'm in a strange place think I might be dead.
I was drinking and driving my fault when all
is done and said.
Who else have I hurt in this awful wreck- oh I
am scared!
I knew better but from alcohol my judgment was
impaired.
Strangers at my body stared,
Their thoughts I could hear as their souls they
bared.
Oh what a waste and indeed a shame,
Another drinking driver an excuse so lame.
At that point I feel myself jump and gasp for
air.
My eyes are open and into darkness I stare.
I'm alive, I'm alive I feel my heart pound.
I am in my own bed, not lying dead on the
ground.
My body is drenched, I am all wet
The result of a night's sweat.
I am not in a body bag but in my own bed,
My skin is pale not covered in red.
This was, it appears, to be just a dream.
How morbid and real it did seem.
Perhaps just a warning we
need to heed,
And food for thought for you to read.
© Kent Fletcher March 14, 2008
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kent Fletcher retired as Deputy Chief of the Durham NC Police Dept. He served
with that department for 301/2 years. He is a graduate of the 162nd session of
the FBI National Academy and has an AA and BS degree in Justice Administration
from Guilford College. Writing short stories and poetry has become a part-time
hobby. He can be reached at
hkfletcher@nc.rr.com
