Standing on the sidewalk
I listen toward the street
Cars driving right past me
Traffic that I must beat
I have to listen closely
To hear the engine sound
For eyesight can't show me
Where all the cars are found
I hear an opening
I think my way is clear
I muster my courage
And I suppress my fear
I step on the asphalt
A couple steps that's all
Before I hear the brakes
Before I take the fall
I watch over my wake
As people share their tales
About accomplishments
And my best friend then rails
Furious at my fate
He begs them to go far
Do what's necessary
With new electric cars
Blind people can't hear them
They make no sound to hear
How can our lives be free
When terror holds us here
Ask auto companies
They'll say there's not much cost
But folks like quiet cars
So profits could be lost
Blind people don't buy cars
And silent cars appeal
So I'll keep crossing streets
Until my life they steal
Author notes
This poem is about a battle that is being waged right now by the National Federation of the Blind. New cars using electricity and other alternative types of fuel do not make any kind of noise that is audible to blind pedestrians. The auto companies say that to equip these cars with some kind of sound would cost only pennies but Sighted people buy cars and silent cars are more appealing. The NFB is currently attempting to get legislation passed to require auto manufacturers to equip all automobiles with some sound apparatus but, at the present time, nothing has been done to address the issue. I hope that this is the type of political issue to which you have referred and I appreciate greatly the opportunity to spread this important message.
A contest entry
- Let's Talk Politics by xXblackenedXroseXx.
600 points, ended April 1, 2008, 15 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Did the message of this poem come across to the reader?
Comments
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wow I was not aware of this battle. That's sad that the lives of many are so meaningless to these automotive companies.
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Wow hun, I think you did a great job on writing this piece. It really expresses nicely of what we have to deal with, and how important this issue is and needs to be taken cared of as soon as possible. Good luck in the contest, and keep up the great writes.
much love
~~Tori~~
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I am also aware of the struggle between the nfb and the government for the use of silent cars, but the reallity of all of this is that the government only cares about the money being put in to the econimy and their own pockets. While I hope the nfb wins,
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