It was a monstrous mistake
The earth mover mounted the middle barriers and mowed down the Nissan Micra.
Five minutes later and all would have ended well.
Instead her bloodied hands on the steering wheel, airbags inflated windscreen broken
Laughter lost amidst the debris of a terrible double tragedy.
Can I buy you a drink you look like you need one?
She laughed nervously as he set the glass in front of her,
His charm left her glassy eyed and lost at sea.
Five minutes later and it would have been someone else at the bar, someone else he would have warmed his hands on
Her soul would have been free.
© Alison Jean Hankinson
How our lives and futures hang in a balance that is so often beyond our control is something that mesmerises me. For good or bad it can be a split second either way that makes the difference and then we must ask ourselves is this all by chance? Who rolled the dice?
This is my offering for d’Verse open link night.
Share this:
What an interesting take… and I also imagine the opposite: how we sometimes are on the right side and avoid the disaster…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes definately. I am sure I have been the shadow before and after and escaped with my life. X
LikeLike
Your poem gave me a chill, Alison.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just think that our lives are fragile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
what an existential poem! very boldy told in the pictures you present of what was and what might have been
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, this is so sad in its realization — the hindsight cannot change what has transpired. Everything is based on a chance perhaps; do we really wield any control over our lives?
-HA
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fragile balance indeed. We do crawl along the edge of a straight razor. Do we have a predestined death day, or is it happenstance?
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh dear that is so worrisome…I hope mine is ages away…I still have so much to live for. XXX
LikeLike
The fragility of life and happenstance..excellent write
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a chilling account, Alison! I often wonder what it would be like nearing time of death .. if I will be able to face it..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Only 5 minutes later. Our lives can change in just a moment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice last line and this phrase: “someone else he would have warmed his hands on”
LikeLiked by 1 person
How fragile it is, swinging either way, and making lasting consequences. The last scenario brought chills, yikes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true – how just a matter of minutes and the outcome would be different.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the mood the image set before the words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are fragile and vulnerable in a broken world! I trust a loving God with my life and believe He’s in control. Thanks, Alison, for raising the question.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Much love to you. XX
LikeLiked by 1 person
choices matter. we may not always know why events unfold as they do. your piece also seems to remind us to be grateful for the little blessings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everything is intertwined. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person