( August 15, 1977-Twenty Five Years In Reflection)
This normal day it started out-
a name seemed all they’d share,
One grown man and a baby
each consequence to bear.
After one too many drinks,
A man ‘Tim’ met his wrath,
His tire tracks marked the ending
In ‘Little Timmy’s’ path.
The driver’s lack of judgement
Took little Timmy’s breath
Leaving brand new parents
To scream his early death.
The mangled metal stroller
would haunt Big Tim each day
The Red sun to remind him
of life taken away.
A lengthy stay in prison,
he placed it in God’s hands
Too tortured by his conscience,
He’s made some self-demands.
Through work and meditation,
he tries to reconcile
The chance for Little Tim in
a new survivor's smile.
By this example , you’ll see
a sober drive will save-
Like these , same names-both mattered,
One stays, one in the grave!
Author notes
Oh, my. This was hard. Grinding. But I look at it as if it's an opportunity, actually. A ministry. I'm honored no matter what the result of the entry.
I've written to meet the criteria and be inside of the contest holder's mind, but doing it so to edify the situation is my best take on it. To show the facts but see the fullness to its lesson, rather than wallow in the mire. Just me, I guess. It stabbed me to write it because one of my family members (although he hadn't been drinking!) also drove and killed someone's only adult son. Also, it is tough because, in this instance, one can only imagine the pain on both sides. Also because a compassionate person has to see the one who is 'left' with the remainder of this episode. Quite a quandry!
Written May 27th, 2003
A contest entry
- For Little Timmy by Timothy Cameron.
393 points, ended May 31, 2003, 7 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 26 of 26
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Fantastic poem
Excellent thought-provoking write, provides a lot to think about and expertly done. x -
I'm sorry it gutted you. And it wasn't at all written to be taken lighty, or as just another subject. I know the Big Tim through this community, and weren't for the work he's given in advocacy against drunk driving, and how I've come to know the lovingness inside this man, I wouldn't have been able to write it. I thank you sooo for sharing with me your loss...oh...! Oh...it's so very terrible.
Sometimes the forgiveness is easier given when one's not been subjected to this MASSACRE that I will ask Our Lord about when I see Him. And I will be happy to clinch that little Timmy as in our glorified state, we are promised that we will KNOW each other!!!
Bless you for your time to read, comment, impart your horror, and rate this write. Respectfully, CookieZeal/DB -
Hello Ms. Cookie,
This is a very sad poem, considering the story behind the poem, I dont think that I would have been capable of even humoring the thought of writing something this beautiful. Children are so precious, and when we lose one, to stupidity... I just dont understand it. AT ALL. It actually makes me quite angry...
The man who killed my dear Jeremiah, was never convicted, he walked away free, with blood on his hands. The reason? The baby was riding his bike the wrong way on the sidewalk, but the man failed to stop at a stop sign, didnt look both ways, and hit this child twice. But that was not the courts concern.
It makes me sick. Brings out emotions and feelings, I am not proud to have. I dont understand how anything less than life in prison is a viable punishment, for a person, who drove recklessly and took the life of someones child.
As for little Timmy...
The driver’s lack of judgement
Took little Timmy’s breath
Leaving brand new parents
To scream his early death.
It is sad that this child paid the steep price for someone elses bad choices, and it is completely terrifying that little Timmy's parents... had to lose their precious child, because of one mans disregard for his life and the lives of others......
sorry.... I just... cant... seem to get a grip on this....
You wrote this with such grace, kindness, love and a sense of forgiveness... for the man refered to as Big Tim....
Beautifully Done Ms. Cookie. I praise you for writing this!!
May the Lord always shine brightly on your path, you are truly... blessed.
Criss -
I will comment on this, but I cant do it now. It's all to real.. and all to close... to my baby neighbor 2 years old... hit by a man, not paying attention.... Jeremiah.... 10-17-01 to 04-19-03... sorry.... I will comment when I catch my breath..
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I read this again, and am always touched by your heart, CZ! Beautiful write, powerful and full of the love and compassion in your heart! Love ya!--Kel
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absolutely wonderful
This is absolutely one of the best poems I have read, I think the way you put everything in was a major goal, and you did it with such awesome power, it is always hard when children die at such a young age but you did an awesome job. -
great
This was beautiful. I don't think I could even come close to writing such a good poem. You have so much talent. Awesome job. -nikki -
I read the first two stanzas and stopped. I can't possibly read anymore. It isn't a reflection of you as a writer, the subject matter is far too upsetting for a new mommy like me. If I read the entire poem I will probably spend the day crying and imagining something like this happening to my daughter!
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What a wonderful write and the trophy you did earn. After reading the contest rules I believe I would have found myself a little befuddled with trying to pen this. The emotion that you brought forth is excellent. The person that remains does have to live with this as well as the victims family and unfortunately our society pretty much shuns the so called perp even after their time has served. Prison time is supposed to be re-payment but more often than not it ends up a lifetime in prison but outside the wall.
Tulips! -
This is beautiful. Very sad also You have done a great job. It is sad that people don't think about the consequense before they open that bottle. It is true that when someone is killed in a drunk driving accident that usually the drunk driver survies. THey have to stay here and live for the rest of there life for what they have done. People should take life more seriously. Life is too short. You never know when it will be over. THis is a very good write. You seem to have a real passion for writing. Keep up the good work!!!!!
~~~Kim
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I think this should have won. It is very well written! Congrats on second place. You are always so well polished, Cookie! Hugs~ Joyce
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Congratulations, Cookie! I can certainly relate with you as to the challenge of this contest. Very difficult. Your poem touches my heart, and it will touch other hearts too. Bless you! Love to you! --Kel
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Congratulations Aunt Cookie on second place:) Love ya!!!
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Cookie, It took courage to write this poem...I admire you for having the courage to write it and for writing it so well!
Enigma Tic, I admire what you are doing! It is a noble way to make up for what happened that tragic day. God bless you!
< 3 Maureen
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I can ONly imagine.
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Thank you CookieZeal, for addressing the difference I am trying to make. I have been told I should have been fried in the Electric Chair, that I should have been killed and that I should not be alive todau, that I deserve to die, and more. I understand all that. Those comments have helped me grow and pursue pain, deliberately, in the interest of answering some of the more difficult questions in life, and to address these issues more vividly while speaking. The poem you wrote helps me grow, and feel worthwhile as a human being. It is love that helps people the most, not hate, revenge, anger, etc. I really believe, if we are to be free, we have to be free of anger. "Vengeance is mine"...I have had victims hugs me and tell me they love me and what I am doing. It has helped me have courage to keep on fighting. I sincerely feel I have helped make a difference. Had I been killed by the State, I could not have been in the position to help people not make the choices I made. More people have, hopefully, been saved as a result of my speaking and telling Little Timmy's story, than those who have been hurt because I drove under the influence that August day. Thank you for always caring and having a heart. Muhammed Ali said, "A man without tears is a man without a heart". Thank God I am not that type of man, any more. Peace & Love. ET
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about a year ago, my mom, me, and my little sister(2yrs old) were out on a bike ride, my little sister was in one of those seats on my bike. and this guy was comin down the rode, and my chain fell off my bike, and so this guy didnt stop and hit us, i only broke my leg, but my little sister unfortunatley went into acoma for 1 week and then passed away, i just recently got over this, and i wish that i culd have done sumthin 2 prevent it from happening. best of luck in this contest, it is very good.
~Kicks~ -
sorry Cookie. got carried away the other day. will limit my comments in the future. I once knew a women who killed a 12 yr old boy while driving drunk and this really moved me cause it bought her back so vividly. Thats why I came back to read it again.Best to ya Cookie, Be blessed in all things.
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A really and truly well written piece Cookie and truly deserving of this contest. I am afraid with my entry I skimmed thorugh to fast and did not meet the criteria of the contest, You did it so well. Hugs, Freeways Mom
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you did a very good job on this poem but this isn't a contest i could enter because of the sadness of the baby and all keep writing
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Very simple but protrays the intensity of the situation. The message is one of making choices and the consequences we endure. Better still is the love and forgiveness of our God to those who sin and ask forgiveness. Nice write.
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Cookie, Difficult as it was to write about yours truly is good, best of luck..and Good Job.
Hugs
Carrie -
Cookie, you did a terrific job in a very difficult position, to put all the necessary information in there and still be empathetic and convey lessons learned.. you wrote a very touching tribute to the child and also focused on the pain suffered by both his family and the man who was driving drunk. How hard this had to be, when I looked at the criteria for this work, I quickly dismissed it as something I didn't think I could do properly. You, however, have captured it all quite nicely. Sad write, yes, but well done, as always. You have shared your art once more - thank you.
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This is really good! I really love it! I love how poetic it was and like my mother said (nonuvurbizness) this is a difficult subject turned into something beautiful! I wish the best of luck to you in this contest! Keep writing!
With Love.
*Lady* -
Another Great write from CookieZeal! You show yourself to have a truly poetic heart, as always, you have managed to take a difficult subject and turn it into a beautiful piece of poetry. Wonderful job. Good luck.
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Cookie, this is really a sad situation such intensity but, one that can happen, under the influence gosh how horrible. For each person to have to live with such and the familes also. You wrote this really well sweetie but I don't think I was aware of someone in the family this happening to wow....No wonder it stabed at your heart honey.....Well I know though that child is lost its a testimoney many need to read it may make them think perhaps....
Best of luck to you on this hon.....Love you Aunt Cookie.
Always,Sherry
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