Choice or Chance

She was so young, so beautiful, so bold.She normally did as she was told.
Went to school every day, did her homework, and her chores,
but other influence felt they had to even the scores.
Jealous of her smarts and her beauty,
or maybe these girls were just a little moody.
“Wanna hang with us tonight?
Maybe grab a bite?”
“Really? Me hang out with you girls?”,
she said while brushing back her curls.
“Sure, we are going to a cool new bar.”
“Like drinking, you mean?” “Do you have a car?”
If only it were that night,
that her mother had held her tight.

Her mother had always told her “drinking is bad”,
But she wanted to be cool.
Told her mother goodnight, grabbing her coat made of wool.
All her life she was sober,
except this cold night in October.
If only it were that night,
that her mother had held her tight.

Her stomach felt sick from drinking away the night,
so innocent, so young, if only she were bright.
Running to the bathroom, moaning in pain,
throwing her life away, she was not in a state of sane.
Her so-called “friends” had encouraged her.
Telling her to be cool like them, if only they were.
If only it were that night,
that her mother had held her tight.

She had to get her friends home before her mother found out.
Telling herself they would be fine, she had no doubt.
Her judgment was impaired,
She pretended she did not care.
Lost control of the car,
she started to swerve.
If only she did not go so far,
If only she had the nerve.
Ran into a tree,
If only it was not she.

Screams filled the sweet, silent dark.
Parts flew everywhere including a spark.
Red puddles crowded the street,
Where sirens would soon meet.
“It'll be okay baby,” Her mother came, crying, yet calm.
“Hold onto my hand baby.” she said, holding out her palm.
What had happened? Who were these people in panic?
Wondering why it was like she was on the Titanic.
Thinking to herself, she would be alright;
If she would not give up without a fight.
She turned her face from where she lay, then saw blood leaking from her head.
“I'm sorry baby. I love you.” Blaming herself as she said.
“I guess this is it.”
After all it was not her mother's fault, that she fell into this pit.

It was her choice at first glance
You might even say this was chance.
If it was only that night,
that her mother had held her tight.

By Abigail (2012)