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.

[m.s.early]

Near death appreciates life more

[Brittany Zedalis]

Indeed. I learned to make the most out of life. Thank you for stopping by!

[Kai Rollins]

I've said this before I believe. But you really have been through quite a bit in life's meager span.
Thanks for sharing this. (It was beautifully penned)

[Brittany Zedalis]

I definitely have, unfortunately. But my experiences have made me stronger. Thank you!

[UC Poika]

Reality really sucks don't it? As usual you do even this wonderfully making me feel as if---but glad I wasn't there at the same time. Very well done.

[Brittany Zedalis]

Thank you!

[Gleb Zavlanov]

Extremely touching and heartfelt. Your experience must have been extremely terrifying. I just can't imagine what I would've done in your shoes. Thank G-d everyone is okay, though. Once again, your verse made me think and just stare blankly at the screen for a moment. Very powerful write. Thanks for sharing.

[Brittany Zedalis]

I went through severe depression afterwards for months, but I got through it. My husband helped me get through it, and my friends. Thank you!

[Stefanie Holmes]

Wow, this was a touching read. I would have been so frightened in that situation and thankfully everyone survived and is okay today! Car accidents can be so devastating and you captured that perfectly in this write.

~Stefanie

[Brittany Zedalis]

They seriously are. It makes me so angry when I see other people out driving recklessly because they don't realize what can come of it. thank you for reading!

[Saddam]

that may be not happened.....
Sad...
Pain.... I feel my heart wrecking.

[Brittany Zedalis]

thank you for reading

[Bluefire]

That had to have been so scary, I'm glad no one was hurt. That was really nice of your friend to stay with you until you kicked him out. xD (Joking).
Very well done!
"A friend once gave me the best advice, he said 'each day's a gift and not a given right.'" ~*~Nickelback, If Today Was Your Last Day.

[Brittany Zedalis]

Oh, everyone got hurt. Some are hurt permanently. Thankfully most of us are all still friends, though. And it's funny because that song you quoted is one of the few that I listened to a lot after it happened.

[Bluefire]

I meant I'm glad no one died. Sorry, I'm a little tired. >.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this poem is really scary...and should be read by all who drive and let their attention leave the road.

a brave piece to post...i am glad everyone ended up being okay.

[Brittany Zedalis]

thank you so very much.

[Lyn Anderson]

Before even reading your note, I got goosebumps. Sometimes you can just feel the author through the lines -- this is one of those times. The best I personally have had the pleasure of reading of yours, in my opinion.

[Brittany Zedalis]

Thank you so much!