The Long Way

Running through intensive care,
my legs felt frail and weak.
A doctor hurried over
and had these words to speak:

"When you go don't look alarmed
by what lies on that bed.
His body's mangled from the car
that should have left him dead.

We've done all that we can do,
you must not let him know.
You'd be best to show false hope
for he is soon to go."

I left my brother outside
as I went in alone.
Seeing him made me ashamed
of fear I must have shown.

He looked at me with thankful eyes
and told me with a groan,
"The one thing for which I'd prayed
was not to die alone.

I know the doctor told you
to me he only lies.
I've only got minutes left…
I know I'm going to die.

I've come to peace with what's to come
but the worst part I find,
my mom wont be here in time
for me to say goodbye."

Through swollen lips a smile he cracked
was full of misery.
"It's not how I planned my night,
not where I planned to be.

It only took five seconds,
things changed so drastically.
You hear about drunk driving,
who thought it would be me?

They tell you of the victims,
to take it seriously.
I never paid attention,
and look how it killed me.

I didn't let myself have fun
with time I had to kill.
Didn't stop to smell the roses,
and now I never will.

I lived my life fairly well
as it flashes before me.
I wish I could change one thing
there's not much there to see.
It's such a stupid saying
"Live everyday like it's your last."
Advice I'd wish I followed,
that day came pretty fast.

I'd always scorned those people,
and laughed at what they said.
But any day it holds true
that God could strike you dead.

I know that my last words should be
valuable and strong,
but I lack the wise advice
for you to carry on."

A few seconds left for him
before the claim of death.
Those last words he ever spoke
and drew his final breath.

"But you did, more than you know."
A tear rolled down my cheek.
Urgent words he had to know,
words only heard by me.

More than anything I wanted
to tell him he was wrong,
but I waited just too much
and now my chance was gone.

When I left I closed the door
and sent my brother off alone
"Don't mind me, I might be late.
I'm taking the long way home."