HIGHWAY 109

A drunk man in an Oldsmobile

they said had run the light

that caused the six-car pileup

on 109 that night.

When broken bodies lay about

and blood was everywhere,

the sirens screamed out elegies,

for death was in the air.

A mother, trapped inside her car,

was heard above the noise;

her plaintive plea near split the air:

"Oh, God, please spare my boys!"

She fought to loose her pinioned hands;

she struggled to get free,

but mangled metal held her fast

in grim captivity.

Her frightened eyes then focused on where the back seat once had been,

but all she saw was broken glass and

two children's seats crushed in.

Her twins were nowhere to be seen;

she did not hear them cry,

and then she prayed they'd been thrown free, "Oh, God, don't let them die!"

Then firemen came and cut her loose,

but when they searched the back,

they found therein no little boys,

but the seat belts were intact.

They thought the woman had gone mad

and was traveling alone,

but when they turned to question her,

they discovered she was gone.

Policemen saw her running wild and screaming above the noise

in beseeching supplication, "Please help me find my boys!

They're four years old and wear blue shirts; their jeans are blue to match."

One cop spoke up, "They're in my car, and they don't have a scratch.

They said their daddy put them there and gave them each a cone,

then told them both to wait for Mom to come and take them home.

I've searched the area high and low, but I can't find their dad.

He must have fled the scene, I guess, and that is very bad."

The mother hugged the twins and said, while wiping at a tear,

"He could not flee the scene, you see, for he's been dead a year."

The cop just looked confused and asked, "Now, how can that be true?"

The boys said, "Mommy, Daddy came and left a kiss for you.

He told us not to worry and that you would be all right,

and then he put us in this car with the pretty, flashing light.

We wanted him to stay with us,

because we miss him so,

but Mommy, he just hugged us tight

and said he had to go.

He said someday we'd understand

and told us not to fuss,

and he said to tell you, Mommy, he's watching over us."

The mother knew without a doubt that what they spoke was true,

for she recalled their dad's last words, "I will watch over you."

The firemen's notes could not explain the twisted, mangled car,

and how the three of them escaped without a single scar.

But on the cop's report was scribed, in print so very fine,

An angel walked the beat tonight on Highway 109.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things
we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me
I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand
that an angel came and called my name
and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready,
in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind
all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought
I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,
so much yet to do
It seemed almost impossible
that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
the good ones and the bad.
I thought of all the love we shared,
and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
just even for a while,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you
and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized
that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories
would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity,
and all I've promised you."

Today for life on earth is past,
but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day,
there's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful,
so trusting and so true,
though there were times you did some things
you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
and now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand
and share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

I WENT TO A PARTY MOM...

I went to a party, Mom,

I remembered what you said.

You told me not to drink, Mom,

so I drank soda instead

I really felt proud inside, Mom,

the way you said I would.

I didn't drink and drive, Mom,

even though the others said I should.

I know I did the right thing, Mom,

I know you are always right.

Now the party is finally ending, Mom,

as everyone drives out of sight.

As I got into my car, Mom,

I knew I'd get home in one piece.

Because of the way you raised me,

so responsible and sweet.

I started to drive away, Mom,

but as I pulled out into the road,

the other car didn't see me, Mom,

and hit me like a load.

As I lay here on the pavement, Mom,

I hear the policeman say,

"The other guy is drunk", Mom,

and now I'm the one who will pay.

I'm lying here dying, Mom.

I wish you'd get here soon.

How could this happen to me, Mom?

My life just burst like a balloon.

There is blood all around me, Mom,

and most of it is mine.

I hear the medic say, Mom,

I'll die in a short time.

I just wanted to tell you, Mom,

I swear I didn't drink.

It was the others, Mom.

The others didn't think.

He was probably at the same party as I.

The only difference is,

he drank and I will die.

Why do people drink, Mom?

It can ruin your whole life.

I'm feeling sharp pains now.

Pains just like a knife.

The guy who hit me is walking, Mom,

and I don't think it's fair.

I'm lying here dying

and all he can do is stare.

Tell my brother not to cry, Mom.

Tell Daddy to be brave.

And when I go to heaven, Mom,

put "Daddy's Girl" on my grave.

Someone should have told him, Mom,

not to drink and drive.

If only they had told him, Mom,

I would still be alive.

My breath is getting shorter, Mom.

I'm becoming very scared.

Please don't cry for me, Mom.

When I needed you, you were always there.

I have one last question, Mom,

before I say good bye.

I didn't drink and drive,

so why am I the one to die?

I wish that you could hold me Mom,

as I lie here and die.

I wish that I could say I love you, Mom

So I love you and good-bye.