SAVING LITTLE TIMMY
by
Kelly Varner Johnson
Hi, my name is Tim.
I'm not really sure where or how to begin.
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It was the year, nineteen ninety seven
When I sent a tiny life onward to heaven.
Impaired by liquor, blindly confident,
I jumped in my ride and away I went!
Never understood how some lives go so awry,
Changing, without notice, in the blink of an eye.
I'm going to share my story, neither moderate nor mild;
Mere words can't define the valued life of a child.
As Little Timmy cuddled in his stroller that day,
I broke the heart of a mother as I sent her son away.
I felt the bump, heard a noise--no, not pitter-patter,
Timmy's tiny footsteps disappeared in all that clatter.
The sun's rays caused the stroller as Little Timmy bled
To seem as though on fire, crimson, as Timmy's blood ran red.
As I stumbled from my ride to see what I had hit,
"He killed my baby!" a mother screamed; in an agonizing fit.
The stroller, now an egg-shaped thing, held this baby's pain,
And, I would forever be branded with Little Timmy's name.
About 45 minutes later, this child was pronounced "Dead."
I didn't even care when the "guilty" verdict was read.
For "guilty" I was, punished, as far a society's view,
But Little Timmy was alive to me; I knew what I must do.
You see, my father, soon after, gave his girlfriend a ride
On the back of his Harley, Gary's material pride.
Drunk driving turned his day from bright to sad and gory
As Little Timmy read to him a heavenly bedtime story.
Gary crashed his bike, and took away this woman's life,
Now, he too, would take prison's woman as his beloved wife.
Over five years, "Baby-Killer," prisoners called my name,
Yet, they too had sown infertile seeds in the rain.
How could they judge me? As well, to such degree?
When they were no worse and no better than me!
And my father didn't learn from his own son's mistake,
Just ate another bite from Little Timmy's birthday cake!
We each "Sold our freedom," for that certain drink
That builds illusion's confidence; drugged brains cannot think!
The Missouri State Pen kept my freedom from me
But innocence lost is more painful, much more painful, you see.
It wasn't coincidence Little Timmy bore my name
I vowed his six-months on earth would not be in vain.
Now, I speak through my guilt to all who will listen;
My freedom doesn't belong to me--I left it in prison.
I want to save other lives from this lifetime fine;
Those in heaven see the heart--won't you please see mine!
I will open my heart's wound time and time again
If it means Saving Little Timmys, as well as Big Tim.
By Kelly Varner Johnson
Author notes
Ahhh! This contest entry was incredibly hard to write! But, it's done. Best I can do. Hope you enjoy! Kel
Written May 26th, 2003
A contest entry
- For Little Timmy by Timothy Cameron.
393 points, ended May 31, 2003, 7 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 36 of 36
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I like this poem, bad mistakes can be hard to live with and can end live's. That's one of the worst mistake's I can imagine making running over someone. It would be truely hard to drive again, drinking and driving is far to common for how dangerous cars are. That's how my cousin crashed his bike, he was drinking and now is brain damaged for life probley. Well done Kel, It makes me think of the importance of being responsible and how serious things can get. We have to do things that lesson the chance of horrible mistakes. And we should always be aware so no one gets hurt. Are self's included emotionaly and physicly.
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Will you allow me to collaborate so I can post art for the poem?
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Hey Tim!
If I knew how to let you in to collaborate, I'd do so, so that you could post art to the poem, "Saving Little Timmy." Sorry it has taken me so long to respond but had some bumps going on in my own life. Am now working toward getting back on track. Let me know if you're still wanting to do this and I'll make sure you are able to add artwork to the work. Love to you, Friend! Hope you are doing well and adjusting to the new year. Make it a good one!--Kel
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I think when you go to edit, it gives an option to collaborate. Not sure if that's accurate...
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'...I will open my heart's wound time and time again..."
Kelly, with this one line you have provided affirmation to one of the answers it took me years of self-destruction to discover...why do I write my poetry? What value can it possibly have? It's becoming clearer now. Thank you. -
this was so deserving of a trophy great write with such awesome power, I think you stated every thing with a great flow.
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This was totally deserving of it's trophy. I can't help but think back nearly 20 years before, when I caused an accident in the small town where I live. The only reason I was driving was because I thought I was the only sober person at the party. Luckily, noone was hurt, but both car were totalled and the woman in the other car had given birth 1 week before this happened. Just knowing what COULD have happened taught me a lesson I have not forgotten to this day. I'm sure this poem will cause people to think and maybe change their ways.
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yep it was a good read. i knew a bus driver who ran accidently killed someone it must be terrible to live with that.anyway it was cool and flowing. thanks.
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This was a good write so sad
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Thank you, CT, Shelby, KY and JD for your kind comments. I so appreciate, that you appreciate, what it took to capture the elements of such a write. Thanks!--Kel
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This was probably very hard to write, but you got all of the criteria and made a sad, yet redemptive tale here. Really a beautifully done piece. I guess the moral to this story is "don't drink and drive". Yet so many do it every day. Good job Kel!
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This was a tough assignment. I congratulate you and the others who responded to it and the person who created this contest. Using poetry to help save lives is always worthwhile. Much respect. This particular poem had a nice rhyme and looked at all sides of the issue very well. I hope it was read at the MADD meeting.
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this is a great poem and i hope you got a 1st place for it
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Wow!
You relayed the story well. So much pain and sadness, touching so many lives, from family to community to nation. Kind of dwarfs all our petty problems. Blessings to you and all those touched by the senseless consequence of drunk driving.
CT
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Thank you, Lynn, Amber, Hassan and all the others who commented here. This one I really agonized over, but now I can see the effort was worthwhile, because of the inspiring comments you all are leaving. I do hope it has an impact, changes lives as it makes people think before they drive under the influence of anything. Because we just don't know when we'll be the next Tim . . . Hugs--Kel
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This was more than amazing :S im just stunned from what i just read!!!! this was brilliant....You are talent is just above normal..
i Loved each and everyline of your poem...
So much emotions which touched me really deep inside...and so much hidden words within the lines....which carried me to analyze more and read it over again..
i just Loved it..
Amazing write.....
Thanks for sharing
Hassan:) -
This is amazing I love it wonderful... excellent write... great job..
Amber, /F
Hugs -
Ahhh, Di! You are an angel! Bless you! Hugs --Kel
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Excellent
Soulfully written, Kelly. One that I can still feel burning inside. Wonderful job. Lynn -
You did an absolutely wonderful job on this poem! Just great! I really enjoyed it! Wow..what powerful words! Thank you for sharing this masterpiece with us!
~Ravioli~
Edited on Jun 02, 6:02 p.m. because ''. -
Congrats, Kelly dear! What an honor to receive this. For many reasons.
Because of the subject matter!
...the criteria covered.
...the contest holder's exceptional profile!
I knew you'd get it. Guess it takes a professional story teller to sink into something like this. It confirms your credibility and professional know-how. Most of all..it ministered. We don't even KNOW how much yet.
"Life is an onion
layers of skin
just when you thought it's there,
there's much more within." Yep.
Love and blessings,CookieZeal/Di
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I am forever amazed by what we humans do to each other. If only there was a way to make them see before the deed is done. WHat a wonderful place this world would be...
Fantastic write hun...
(((HUGS)))
Pat -
Thank you to all who commented. Even though it was the hardest thing to write, I felt it was too important not to write it, or at least try. And, I do hope this provides some manner of ministry to those who are, or who could be, in the same situation as Big Tim. Makes us think, ponder, and make better decisions. I'm just thankful that Big Tim has kept Little Timmy alive, through his words, even tears, as he speaks to, teaches and touches others, so that they don't have to suffer as Big Tim has obviously suffered. I wish more people were like this, because if we'd all own up to our mistakes, we could find something golden, something good, in each experience, just as this impaired driver has. Even years later, he's still saving Little Timmys and Big Tims as he speaks out in all truth!--Kel
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This is an incredible write, understandable with a wonderful view
Good luck in your contest
Hope you win
mari
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You did a wonderful job at this, it was a very tough assignment. I just couldn't tackle it, I didn't think I could do it justice. I applaud you for the job you have done, its poignant and there are lessons to be learned. Great job, I admire your talent and your willingness to jump into the middle of such a painful scene. Well done my friend.
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Hi Kel. Thanks for the entry. No, it wasn't too late too write it. I would have read this poem earlier, but I had phone problem and kept getting disconnected while onlie. They fixed the problem and now I can continue. Tomorrow night is another MADD Panel. I will read a poem or two or even three there. This is one of the ones that troubled my heart the most (that's what I needed). You addressed the victims' needs, offenders' needs, and the listeners' needs. This is the point. I feel no matter who I speak to, even law enforcement, churces, civic groups, etc., this poem will have an real impact. You covered the essentials and the form was well-structured and lucid. Thank you for responding to the contest.
Chosing between poems will be really hard. I'll transfer the points to the appropriate person after the Panel. Peace & love. ET -
Oh, my dear! You did it all. You included everything and used rhyme ta boot! I honor your touch on this so much.
I had trouble with all of the stats, afraid they wouldn't make poetic flow, but you did it!!!!
I think you realize, you've ministered greatly here. It's more than meets the eye! Excellent to the criteria and form. Thank you...CookieZeal/Di -
Something that happens like this is ever so tragic, you can lock someone up for taking a life in vain but even when they're released anyone with a heart will be held captive to their own prison brcause no one can punish you as much as you punish yourself. Especially if you know you were in the wrong, this guy probably relives that day over and over in his mind with so many what ifs. Good write Kelly, and good luck.
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I think your best is DEFINATELY good enough - you have done an outstanding job on such a difficult contest - such a tragedy and you have written so beautifully and passionately.
Great write
Danielle
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Beautifully written, Kelly. You made us all see the tragedy and how it can change some people forever while others disregard the evidence and repeat the act themselves. Wonderful flow and perfect for the contest.
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I hope you know you have written a beautiful poem I loved it even thought it was on this topic please keep writing because you have talent
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Thank you bluegreenwaters. Appreciate ya! See you soon! Kel
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This was good, met all the criteria..and made me cry in the process. Such a tragedy, but hopefully through this there will come light.
Carrie -
Thank you, Lady and Patrick. This was such a grueling contest to enter, and if you read all the must-be items, stats, you'd understand the agony in which I wrote. Not just the binds, but the subject matter was a tear-jerker, and emotions had to be held in check while writing such a poem. Lady, you entered! So, you know! Best wishes for you! And, Patrick, you just always seem to know what is in my mind, my heart, and your poetry is absolutely priceless to me! You will never walk home alone. Never! Love ya, my dear, dear friend! And, tons of hugs and smile sent your way. Thank you both for taking the time to read this write. I'm not too pleased with it, personally, but time constrictions and boundaries made it what it is, and it must stand. Again, thank you for your kind comments, and for such a beautiful, uplifting write, that more people should read! Love, light and peace!--Kel
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God bless this man!
No bars restrain, nor restraint may bar,
The knowledge of the man you are.
Oh gentle savior, just and true.
Stand with me as I live for two.
The empty bottle shall testify,
In the trials of this soul.
That I believed the age old lie,
That I was in control.
This day too soon, a child sleeps,
He never knew my name.
The passion of my sorrow keeps,
My being, bent in shame.
By all thats sacred I Declare,
His life is not forgot.
I bind my word to God in prayer,
Another child shall not,
Lie broke in shattered innocence,
So far beyond appeal.
I will warn them of the consequence,
Of the bottle and the wheel. -
I really like this! I really think you captured the story here! and I love how you told it from Big Tim's point of view! Very good! I know how hard it was too write...I tried too! lol. Good Luck! I really enjoyed this write!
With Love.
*Lady*
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