The Crash

A Poem by R. W. Adams

A life lesson.

While the world continues flowing,
my body's frozen still
The chilling wind has been blowing
Upon this windowsill

The empty room of which I sit
Alone, and nothing more
I fold the clothes that do not fit
Again, they won't be worn

The night of which you left for good
I'd say an evening prayer
That when you reached the neighborhood
You'd call and say your there

I did receive a call that night
But not from my own son
The paramedics had insight
They knew the damage done

He loved the world, he truly did
His friends would mourn him too
He turned the wheel, the brakes would skid
His drive would go askew

He couldn't stop, he couldn't know
He didn't comprehend
On a dark road where street lights glow
His life would reach an end

And in this room I'd spend the day
With his belongings near
I'd peer out at the sky so grey
My eyes would shed their tears

Reality had hit me now
So innocent and young
Was he really gone and how?
The pain, so sharp, it stung

The funeral would fetch the rain
And crowds of those who cared
They'd turn to go, endure the pain
While I would stand and stare

My pride and joy, the boy I loved
Lie cold beneath my eyes
I saw his soul ascend above
Into the cloudy sky

The church bells rang, emotions caved
The funeral was done
Then I would leave the solemn grave
A man without a son

He could have been alright they said
He might just have survived
I'd say one thing if he weren't dead
Don't ever drink and drive