LUCKY???

  

 

 

“You’re lucky she is even here,”

They heard the doctor sigh.

“Did all we could…but I fear,

She very well might die.”

 

 

“Injuries were horrendous.

Her body may not cope.

The blood loss was tremendous.

I can’t give you much hope.”

 

 

“Multiple compound fractures,

And severely bruised heart;

Right lung collapsed from punctures;

Still,….THAT….is just a start….”

 

 

“Lower leg was crushed and cooked.

We’re forced to amputate.

There’s more surgeries to book,

But they will have to wait.”

 

 

“Sternum, ribs, arms, lower back…

Ankle, wrists, hands and knees…

Broken and crushed; one hip cracked.

There’s even more than these”

 

 

“Femur completely shattered,

Muscles torn and tattered.”

 

 

“Must have been quite a wreck,

She also broke her neck.”

 

 

“Drug allergies prevent us

Prescribing meds for pain.

So, we’ll keep her comatose.

That seems the most humane.”

 

 

Three weeks in intensive care,

They leaned on each other.

Uniting in fervent prayer,

“Please don’t take our mother.”

 

 

In answer to words spoken,

My spirit was sent back…

In body badly broken,

To keep their faith on track.

 

 

In a coma, you can hear

Voices and what is said;

Feel the touch of loved ones near

As they gently stroke your head.

 

 

“She’s so lucky!” voices churned,

Determined, I resolved…

When I awoke they would learn,

There was no luck involved.

 

 

Speeding driver, drunk and high,

At the scene, he did die.

 

 

But I sit here wracked with pain,

My whole life forever changed.

 

 

Hope this poem will make you think.

When you drive, please don‘t drink.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Lately, 2 years after, I have started having flashbacks of that head-on collision and of being in ICU. Many other things happened at both scenes that I didn't mention in this poem, as well as a few of the other injuries. And again, I have started thinking of what my loved ones went through. So, since my therapy is to write, I wrote this. Hopefully it will cause some people to think about what can happen if they drink then drive.

Reviews

[Manie]

This is definitely one of the most very well written, descriptive, heartfelt poems I've read in a very long time. Definitely enough to make almost anyone's eyes tear up. It's also enough to make most sensible people sit back and think about their actions and how their negligence can ruin lives. Very well written!

[Frantzuu]

Great poem, I've lost a friend in a car crash. That's why when I go out with friends I drive.

[Emily]

Ellen,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I am in 12th grade and every year I've been in high school at least one of my classmates has been in a alchohol related car accident. Some of them have pulled through but not all of them were so lucky. If people could hear more stories like yours maybe something would change. Your poem was very well written and I am glad I had the chance to read it. I wish you luck and thank you once again.

-Emily

[The Analog Kid]

Wonderful and powerful poem. What else can you say? God bless you!

Patrick

[Helena Parris]

This was heart-wrenching to read. 25 years ago, my mother was nearly killed by a drunk driver. She has no memory of the event or the entire month before; she has no memory of being in a coma, or of being "turned on but not connected," as the neurologist put it. So, in a way, I guess she was luckier than you. The flashbacks are the worst thing to suffer, worse than physical pain sometimes.

The poem is so clear. I felt like I was there in that coma with you as you were clawing your way back. And the message at the end--I hope it does make somebody think.

[Another Relic]

Unbelievable Ellen, I had no idea this happened to you. Your a true hero for having survived and letting people know the dangers of drinking and driving. So many peole yhink nothing will happen because nothing has so far. I wish everyone on this site could read this one, and I will be telling people about it. Thank you and may God continue to bless you.

[THERISA]

Reading this poem, brought back many memories of the battles that my dad fought, before his body. Decided that enough was enough. Holding his hand, while the doctors induced a coma, to help drain his collapsed lungs. Hearing the fateful words, he may not pull out. Still echo in my mind, even though, more than 22 years have past. Sorry, but i can't continue. Too many memories are flowing back to me.

[Ladysue]

This was very profound. You have written this is such a way that really gets the message across. Very heartfelt and brought tears to my eyes. Excellent writing that really sends a message others. Glad you are doing better too.

[Valentine]

Ellen, my brother's son is going through this right now. Also my friends mom was killed by a drunk driver..I wish sometimes that booze had never been thought up by crazed minds..Glad you sre doing better..love and God Bless..Kathie

[Shutterbug]

This should be read to anyone who thinks that they are man or woman enough to drive after having one drink. I agree that you are not finished here on earth. When it is our time we will go. I know you touch peoples lives with your writing. You have touched mine. Thanks

[David Lewis Paget]

Horrific! How else can one respond to this heartfelt poem? It's a credit to you that you not only lived, but that you are now cultivating your gift from a wheelchair. Fate is a strange thing; it can deal out the most monstrous blows, or the most unearnt rewards to the strangest of people. You were on the wrong side of that pendulum, and yet you're still there. I salute you for your bravery, and curse those who get behind a wheel to wreak havoc on the roads.