CO Poisoning -- an \"ode\"

John R. Hall

“I Didn’t Know”

I didn’t know her name – she was a stranger to many.

I didn’t know how many lives she touched – but there were many.

I didn’t know where she lived – but the home will never be the same.

I didn’t know the town she lived in – now everyone knows.

I didn’t know that sorrow for a stranger could be so great – but it is.

I didn’t know that such a thing could affect me – but it has.

I didn’t know I could cry so much – for so long.

I didn’t know my life could change so dramatically – from one single event.

I didn’t think it could happen to one so young – but tragedy has no age limits.

I didn’t know that a warm, friendly sight could be so heartbreaking – but it is.

I didn’t know that chimneys could be deadly – Santa never knew.

I didn’t know that chimneys needed to be cleaned – all of the time.

I didn’t know that a bird’s nest could be deadly – it is usually full of life.

I didn’t know that appliances needed regular checks – most people don’t.

I didn’t know how important working carbon monoxide detectors are – now I do.

I didn’t know about “incomplete combustion” – it was never important to me.

I didn’t know about the silent killer – and many don’t until tragedy strikes.

And a beautiful seven-old-daughter is now an angel – because her parents didn’t know.

Carbon monoxide poisoning kills and injures thousands of people each year, needlessly and senselessly.

-- John R. Hall