Seize the Day

radio playing, laughter transforms

into screams, metal crunching and

closing in, a flash of red hair,

or is it blood

 

the smell of dirt and smoke,

hands pull me from the wreckage,

covered in crimson water that

is not my own

 

            searching eyes and choked shrieks,

            where are they, where are-

 

face-down, still, twisted into

unnatural positions, unconscious,

the deafening screams are my

own, falling to my knees

 

helpless, seeing red but not in

anger, somewhere an ambulance

arrives, parents and bystanders

watch with unwavering fear

 

            they scream for their mother, and

            she is not breathing anymore-

 

uncontrollable shaking, a breath is

finally taken, but the battle is not won,

rushing, bright lights, tears and mud

staining my cheeks

 

she can only see shadows, his neck

is broken, another scream, a phone goes

off in the next room, a man in uniform

takes my hand and doesn't let go

 

~Mad Swirl 2014~

~People Are Amazing Online E-Zine 2014~

Author's Note

http://madswirl.com/poetry/2014/06/seize-the-day/



This is about a wreck I was in during October 2010.

Reviews

[Relic]

I've seen the carnage of car accidents on youtube and I'm struck by the horror of the aftermath. You are very brave to write this. To experience such a tragic event has got to be with you in the back of your mind for the rest of your life.

Yesterday, as I was driving on the expressway, I saw so much madness from drivers wanting to be at their destinations NOW. They foolishly flew by me like I was standing still. If only they could see and feel what you experienced they would know anything can happen at any time to anyone.

Your vivid descriptions and photos bring a reality to the poem in a way only a victim of the experience can convey. Indeed, we should all seize the day because it could all end in a second. Excellent writing.

[Brittany Zedalis]

The irony is that several of the people involved in this accident drive recklessly today. They complain about their pain from the crash (ignorant of my own, or maybe they just don't care) yet put themselves into danger everyday despite what happened. I hate the road, I hate cars.

Thank you for reading this. It was the first thing I wrote about the crash.

[kublakhan27]

I can relate to this, but I won't to go too deeply into it cuz I don't wanna make this review about me...this is incredibly haunting and intense, with some truly chilling imagery, especially 'crimson water that is not my own'...sadly, I'd say one must have to endure such an awful experience to be able to write about it with this kind of jaw-dropping effect...phenomenal piece, and congrats on the magazine appearance :)

[Brittany Zedalis]

Thank you so much ^-^ It took me 4 years to write about the accident because I couldn't really find the words to put it in.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Oh, Brittany...this is heartbreaking. I am so sorry. Life is indeed, precious, and needs to be cherished every day. Blessings to you.

[Brittany Zedalis]

Thank you. It took me 3 years to get through most of it, but I did, and so has everyone else involved.

[J. K. Beach]

Wow! You had me fearing the worst. Glad everything turned out OK, but the experience sure produced a well written and intense bit of poetry. You kept me breathless the entire way. Excellent job, Brittany!

[Brittany Zedalis]

Thank you! Took me a few years to seriously write about it.

[Judy McIntosh]

A glimpse into a shake up in your life. The choppy style brings that disconnected feeling one feels after something unexpected and drastic as this. Great writing and you have captured that moment in time. cheers judy

[Brittany Zedalis]

Thank you!

[Cassie]

sorry for that experience you went through, I also did that with my friends but luckily we escaped unhurt.

[Brittany Zedalis]

You were lucky, indeed. And thank you.

[Coyote Poetry]

A powerful and true poem. I agree with the title. Life is not a guarantee. I have got into two serous car accidents. They make us more wise. I don't drive fast no-more. Thank you for sharing the story in the poem. I like how the Soldier stay with you.
Coyote

[Brittany Zedalis]

I am a much more careful driver since this happened in 2010. It really changes you. Thank you!

[Coyote Poetry]

I had a bad accident in 1982. It slowed me down. In the car is the most dangerous place for us. We must be careful. I'm glad you are okay. I went through a car window and I landed in a snow bank in Upper Michigan.

[Brittany Zedalis]

I wish more people realized just how dangerous cars are. People feel too safe and daring in them.

[LadyAnn68]

You survived you and your friends forma fate worse than death and that is being a vegetable and alive! You were spared and I hope with all my heart that you revive. It is hardest thing you will ever do but if you succeed it will make things better for you. I will say a prayer for this! I know what it is to lose when things are beyond your control. I hope you learn to drive again soon! My prayers will be with you!

[Brittany Zedalis]

Thank you very much!!

[Demii]

This is so sad, and so mind numbing, I am so sorry for what had happened, this poem gave me goosebumps and its so sad and powerful and deep, I couldn't stop reading, great job, and I'm just sorry it was true.

[Brittany Zedalis]

Thank you so very much.