[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 146 (Monday, October 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1934-E1935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              ``DEATH OF AN INNOCENT'' BY ELISABETH CERCEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CLIFF STEARNS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 29, 2001

  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, in light of the sobering events that took 
place on September 11, now more than ever, the young people of this 
country must remain vigilant, accountable for the actions taken in 
everyday life. One young American in particular realizes the importance 
of accountability and expresses these convictions in a poem she has 
written entitled, Death of an Innocent. Elisabeth Cercek of Ocala, FL, 
deposits the reader amid the chaos of a drunk driving accident. A young 
girl's life slowly ebbs away as the drunk driver can do nothing but 
``stare.'' With violent realism, Elisabeth brings us into the sorrowful 
world that thousands of Americans face each year when their loved ones 
are taken from them by alcohol related accidents. I applaud Elisabeth's 
steadfast resolve in her fight against drunk driving, and with that Mr. 
Speaker, I submit for the Congressional Record her poem ``Death of an 
Innocent.''

                          Death of an Innocent

     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 is driving 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 there 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.

[[Page E1935]]

     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.
     Pleased don't cry for me, Mom
     When I needed you
     You were always there.
     I have one last question, Mom
     Before I say goodbye.
     I didn't drink and drive
     So why am I the one to die?

     

                          ____________________