Drunk driving

Going through some old writings and I came across this poem.  I deal a lot with substance abuse and DUIs.  One of the first thing that drugs affect is our perception.  Suddenly we have trouble perceiving if our own actions are safe and and beneficial. With a loss of perception we think that driving drunk is not that bad.  Alcohol in the system affects motor control.  Reflexes are slowed, but with perception gone, the drunk driver doesn't even notice or care... until it's too late.

DRUNK

It started with just a drink

And more than one he did not think

Only two roads his glass did know

Pass out by poison or out of control

He chose the last, he stayed awake

But that could have been a big mistake

For passed out people cannot drive

And he would still be alive

With alcohol swimming through his blood

He left that place he left for good

He got into a weapon his car

But speeding and swerving he wasn’t far

When cutting through the sweet dark night

Flashing, screaming, red and blue lights

His beer soaked brain said not to stop

He thought it better to ditch the cop

His car speed up his actions slowed

And then his car left the road

His eyes were numb he could not see

He carved his death into a tree