Hell-Bent Trail
“I’m in a hurry,
don’t worry.
“I’ve had a libation (or five),
but I can handle the drive.”
Behind the wheel, no trrrrrouble
Rolled a fattie, toked it double
Charged straight through the toll
Confused, but on a roll
Doing 70, gazing at stars,
his eyes settled on Mars.
Meanwhile, a mom needed grahams for s’mores
Asked her Mindy to walk to the store.
The hit-and-run, no surprise…
Chased and charged with her demise.
She was two months short of twenty,
future that was filled with plenty.
That girl was all spit and spunk…
sacrificed to a hell-bent drunk.
© 2012 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
For Trifecta (“trail”) and The Sunday Whirl: Accident, Toll, Libation, Handle, Trouble, Mars, Ask, Charged, Settle, Confused, Sacrificed, Plenty. Also at Poets United.
THINK BEFORE YOU TURN THAT IGNITION KEY. ACCEPT THE RIDE HOME, Y’ALL. And yes, buzzed driving IS impaired driving. Peace, Amy
Sharp Little Pencil 
darkangelwrites
Nice! Serious message wrapped in a confetti of poetry.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks for the compliment. It’s a hard read, I know… but the liveliness of his what-the-hell ways is meant to start off like it’ll be OK. Too common… Peace, Amy
vivinfrance
Excellent rhyming. Horrible story – all too common.
Sharp Little Pencil
Viv, I just responded with those exact words. Once again, our synapses cross, cross-Atlantic. Thank you. Peace, Amy
booguloo
That one rolled right down the road. Tight write.
Sharp Little Pencil
Interesting way of putting it, Michael… thanks for your creativity in commenting. Peace, Amy
julespaige
While I grew up with parents from that generation that always had a full cupboard of booze…I didn’t get into the bottle. Hubby and I, just don’t – we aren’t complete teetotaler either. Maybe it’s part of being a volunteer fire-fighter and that you are not allowed to run calls if you’ve had one beer too many or any beers for that matter – that our children would rather be the designated drivers. They tell us that watching their friends is a priceless evening of entertainment. It is unfortunate though that they have ‘cleaned up’ many a scene that you have described, in quite-real life.
(Hubby & children are all interior trained volunteers – I just help with the fund raisers 🙂 )
seingraham
This reads like wonderful poetry told like truth … nicely done wordle Amy … sad.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks so much, Sharon. It was from a Wordle, which makes the challenge using the words in a way that flows, rather than “cramming in” extra verbs, etc., simply to satisfy the 12-word (or baker’s dozen) aspect. Peace, Amy
Norma Ruttan
peace to you also…Amy
You are right that your poems are not for the faint of heart, but this one certainly rings true. Sad, but true.
Sharp Little Pencil
Pres. James A Garfield purportedly said, “The truth will set you free; but first, it will make you miserable.” That is about half my blog; the more important aspect is the redemptions, those small insights and moments of forgiveness that spring forth. Thanks, Norma, and peace, Amy
woih
A true talent for delivering reality in straight doses to many that might otherwise wish to remain aloof
Sharp Little Pencil
Truth to power, truth to those in denial, MY truth to those who feel otherwise, and hoping they share THEIR own truth with me. One can hope! Thanks, W. Peace, A
The Gal Herself
The graham crackers/s’mores were a small but important touch. So innocent and commonplace, they help bring Mindy to life. Nicely done!
Sharp Little Pencil
That was the last part I wrote – a detail about her trip and the inclusion of her mother, to accentuate the loss. Good observation, Gal, and thanks. Peace, Amy
purplepeninportland
That slams it right home, Amy. Bravo!
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, PIP. I appreciate your strong approval! Peace, Amy
wordsandthoughtspjs
Very sad, Amy. On a subject that is still quite prevalent. People should think before getting behind the wheel drunk.
Pamela
Sharp Little Pencil
People have known for YEARS they shouldn’t do it. Bartenders know they should be seizing keys. But in this “good ole boy” atmosphere, few do it. Ditto those who are stoned. I think once there’s a good breathalyzer test for pot available, we’ll be closer to seeing marijuana legalized… Paz, Amelita
pmwanken
Yes…too many people out there buzzed, feelin’ fine (says they)…..great use of the words!
Here’s mine: http://whenwordsescape.wordpress.com/2012/03/11/generations-of-duty/
Sharp Little Pencil
Wish people understood the difference between “feelin’ fine” and “feelin’ competent.” Such a fine line, especially with grass… Thanks, Paula! Peace, Amy
brian miller
mmm…just got back from taking a boy to his first NA meeting…this one hits close to home…
Sharp Little Pencil
Brian, your timing could not have been more perfect. The “buzz” is achieved in so many ways, and I wish folks understood that the “laid back” feeling of a nice buzz means you yourself are SO out of control of reaction times, etc.
I used to drive (in my 20s) buzzed in one way or another. I’m so grateful I never took a life, because one wrong move and it happens in an instant. Then, you cannot BLAME the grass or the drink. It’s all on you, and you never forget… peace, Amy PS I admire your support of young folks going to N.A. Wish my nephew would go, but he’s a three-time rehab walkout…
margo roby
I like when your sharp little pencil makes its point with irony. To make the irony one of style makes the point that much more a wake-up slap in the face.
margo
Raven
This is really well done Amy … nasty, point really well made!
magicalmysticalteacher
I had no idea where you were going with this and I got slammed at the end. I’m breathless!
Six-Word Whirl
Tara R.
So sad, and such a real situation far too often.
The Mommy Patient
Chills. I got chills.
Trifecta
‘sacrificed to a hell-bent drunk’ — powerful last line. Tragic story, beautifully crafted. Thanks for linking up and hopefully see you for the weekend challenge.
Sharp Little Pencil
I was surprised to find myself taking up the mid-week, but I will always try to post for TriFri! Amy
tmhHoover
Prepping for this weeks wordle…(on St Patty’s Day in a college town. Sending up a prayer that those getting their buzz on, do not get behind the wheel.) The impact of your piece is exactly as it should be… it comes out of nowhere and ends abruptly.
Mr. Walker
Amy, I was along for the ride, enjoying the rhymes, but then you got me with that “meanwhile” and the specificity of “Mindy”. Then I knew something bad was going to happen. You got me – and you did it good.
Richard
Pamela Smyk Cleary
Amy, I am impressed! This poem starts out simple and fun in rhythm & rhyme, but ends with a serious punch! A 12 word Wordle, and you pulled it off so smoothly. Nice! I am running behind – still haven’t put anything out on my blog for today — and may not get to it at all… or, maybe an old haiku…? Anyway, in the spirit of keeping our ping pong game going, I’ll respond to your Wordle with another Wordle. (That’s easy, right?) Mine’s from day #15 in the April PAD – it’s called “Lift” and is located here: http://wanponpopix.blogspot.com/2012/04/lift.html
Sharp Little Pencil
You got it, Pamela. Headed your way now. I, too, am five poems behind on responses. Crap!
Pamela Smyk Cleary
And… re the Liebster Award: Don’t be silly, Amy, HAVE A CUPCAKE ANYWAY!! :-)) Forget all the responsibilities, and just accept the kudos.
I am hereby officially creating an HONORARY LIEBSTER BLOG AWARD & BADGE: It comes with NO STRINGS ATTACHED I am putting it out on my blog and you are more than welcome to one of these! You EARNED it! :-))
Sharp Little Pencil
God love you, Pamela. I could really use a cupcake right now!! You rock. Love, Amy