Against My Better Judgement Poem by Theresa Ann Moore

Approaching a four way stop
A young man in a big hurry
back tracked… and motioned
asking for a ride…was I to worry

His blue bandana covered most
of his blond hair…he was casually
dressed in clothes that were clean
He urged me to listen to his tragedy

Excuse me, can you help me out
I've missed catching the bus
if I fail to get to my meeting
my absence will cause a fuss

Leary of his intent and thinking
this is just another made up lie
Making a choice against my better
judgement…hoping I wouldn't die

I understand your hesitation
he said, you can't trust anyone
especially these days… I began
to speed wondering if he had a gun

He explained that he was a counselor
for young people on drugs who were in crisis
He had the credentials of a reformed druggie…
Said once he overdosed and was found lifeless

As he reached into his backpack I almost
pressed the brake…until I heard a tab pull back
releasing a fizzing sound from a soft drink can
My knees were weak…almost had a heart attack

His destination was a few more blocks ahead
He recognized a couple of teens in distress
remarking they would be glad he was not late
He gave me a hug and said God bless...

As he closed the car door I said, 'Next time
don't miss the bus…' driving away wondering
why I took a chance picking him up on this day
Late for my appointment as traffic is converging

9/9/2010