a mound of flowers, a wooden cross
a soccer ball, a teddy bear
the burnt remains of a safety flare
a set of skid marks, torn up grass
an oil stain, some shattered glass
friends all gather at the sight
holding candles, burning bright
try to figure what went wrong
break into his favorite song
remember stories through the years
some bring laughter, most bring tears
reminisce about a friend that’s gone
who wasn’t on this earth that long
someone’s brother, someone’s son
why did he have to die so young?
we’ll never drive by here again
not without remembering
Awesome title! My potluck: http://verseinanutshell.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/protect/
ReplyDeleteCharlie, this is so poignant. The title fits so well and the details tell a story.
ReplyDeletehttp://liv2write2day.wordpress.com/2011/05/15/the-castle-within/
powerful piece,
ReplyDeleteyour words are profound in capturing the deconstruction of humans on nature.
blessings.
we must save earth.
Sorry it took me so long to get to you. I like the fact that this piece is free verse and yet could also be considered 'flash', as it tells a story. Poignant, because I suppose must of us have passed at least one of these little roadside memorials. And, so many times there doesn't seem to be any explanation; just "missed the turn", "crossed into the other lane for unknown reason", or "lost control of car". Such a shame. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteGreetings:
ReplyDeleteHow have you been?
Hope to see you join our poetry potluck week 36 today!
Week 36 Theme is sketches, images, and impressions,
But you are NOT required to submit theme fitting pieces, old poems or poems unrelated to our theme are all welcome…
Looking forward to reading you again.
xoxox
wonderful flow and rhyme. you told the story well.
ReplyDelete