THE GOOD CITIZEN

 I am twenty one years old

And was raised in the proper way

To abide by the laws of land

And to live by the rules every day

 

I was raised to apply common sense

To any action I might make

And to use my own judgment

And not to fear making a mistake

 

I was raised to respect myself

And respect others at the same time

I was raised to respect the law

And not to resort to crime

 

I was raised to think for myself

And given the tools to do so

I was taught the right from wrong

And how to behave and how to say no

 

I loved my life and I was happy

I had a good job which paid very well

A large circle of great friends

And a shiny new car I called Annabel

 

So when I went to a party with friends

To celebrate a twenty first birthday

I drove their in my beloved Annabel

And drank only coke to my friends dismay

 

I remembered what I was taught

And I didn't drink and drive

Despite pressure from my piers

I made a conscious choice to stay alive

 

I had a good time at the party

And I was proud of myself for my stance

I had a good time at the party

Though friends teased me for my abstinence

 

All too soon the party ended

And we hugged and kissed our goodnights

Then we all went our separate ways

I got into Annabel and turned on the lights

 

I drove off safe in the knowledge

I had done the right thing staying dry

I observed all the speed restrictions

Not realizing I was soon about to die

I’m standing on the roadside

And see my broken body on the ground

Poor Annabel is smashed to pieces

With men in uniforms all around

A young man was led away in handcuffs

It seems he was a drink driver

All his passengers were also dead

He was drunk and the only survivor

 

If he had been taught as I was

I would not now be lying dead

If he had been taught as I was

The road would not be coloured red

 

In my short life I was a good person

I was a good daughter to my parents

A good sister to my young brother

And good to my friends and confidents

 

There is so much I will now never do

My life will never be fulfilled

I was a good citizen until today

When through selfishness I was killed