Before and After

I know I've covered this territory before, but...

                                                         

Now, what was I doing the day before everything changed,

before my life was irrevocably and drastically rearranged?

Oh, I was probably telling myself for the thousandth time,

look for something challenging, a new paradigm,  

to quit my slaving job and become a writer--

see, I viewed my job as a malcontent breeder.

Meaning fighting the daily war wasn't for me,

I felt like I was stuck in a rut, and I longed to see

what else was out there--something creative,

Instead of the same thing, every day, holding me captive.

 

***

 

In those few seconds before everything I had disappeared,

before the struggles into my memory have been indelibly seared,

I was probably planning the trip over the mountains that night.

My in-laws were expecting us--and then I probably caught sight

of the Jeep Grand Cherokee that decided now would be

a great time to turn--only one problem with that, she didn't see

my truck, and I apparently had just passed another car,

so needless to say, her turning plans didn't get very far.

We hit head-on, with me going fifty-five.

Everyone said I was lucky just to survive,

and I guess I am, but it's hard not to be angry just a bit,

at the carelessness, daydreaming, and inattentive s**t.

In some ways she did me a favor, sent me in a new direction,

but that one scatterbrained decision has driven a hard bargain.

  

 

 

 

Reviews

[Marie]

I don't blame you for being angry. You had your life and y our plans messed up. But I hope your new direction is a good one.

[Michael Stevens]

Thanks, Marie, and while I'm glad to be being creative, this is not a good way to be going about it!