A poem to serve as a reminder for teens to drive safe

Published 4:55 am Thursday, January 11, 2018

By Staff Reports

DEAR ANNIE: Your predecessor Ann Landers published a poem called “Dead at Seventeen” to get the attention of new drivers and impress upon them the dangers and responsibilities of driving a car. Might you have that on file somewhere? — SHIRLEY IN INDIANA

DEAR SHIRLEY: This poem has been making an impression on teens for decades now and is as relevant as ever. Here it is.

“Dead at Seventeen,” by John Berrio

When I first got here I felt very much alone. I was overwhelmed by grief, and I expected to find sympathy. I found no sympathy. I was given a number and placed in a category. The category was called “Traffic Fatalities.”

The day I died was an ordinary school day. How I wish I had taken the bus! But I was too cool for the bus.



It doesn’t matter how the accident happened. Glass and steel flew everywhere. My whole body seemed to be turning inside out. I heard myself scream.

Hey, don’t pull that sheet over my head. I can’t be dead. I’m only 17. I haven’t lived yet. I can’t be dead.

Later I was placed in a drawer. My folks came to identify me. Why did they have to see me like this?

The funeral was weird. I saw all my relatives and friends walk toward the casket. They looked at me with the saddest eyes I’ve ever seen.

Please, don’t bury me! I have a lot of living to do! I want to laugh and run again. I want to sing and dance. Please don’t put me in the ground! All I want is one more chance. Please, God, I’m only 17.