"Shadows of Transit: Voices Unheard, Justice Unserved" by Naomi Johnson

"Shadows of Transit: Voices Unheard, Justice Unserved" by Naomi Johnson

In the heart of Jersey, a tale unfolds,

 Of a mother's grief, a story to be told.

Disabled and mourning, her only son lost, To a bus driver's actions, at a tragic cost. NJ Transit, Coach USA in the spotlight, A deadly driver took her son's light. Pandemic woes, a struggle so real, No help for groceries, a grievous ordeal. Neurological damage, a stolen car chase, Bloomfield police leaving scars, a cruel embrace. Deshon, the son, the pillar of her days, Now gone forever in tragic transit ways. Coach USA's Romaine, a driver unkind, Sped around corners, leaving despair behind. Jumping the curb, a victim ran over, Twice, he was crushed, in a world of pain to discover. A disabled mother, no son to provide, No social distance in grief's lonely ride. No accountability for the driver's cruel act, Blaming the victim, a heartless, callous act. Quarantine struggles, in lines she stands, Grocery shopping, with shaky hands. Justice sought, attorneys turned away, Essex County Prosecutor, where justice may sway? Emails sent, messages left unheard, A mother's pain, justice deferred. Retired judge and attorney's torment, Psychological scars, a constant torment. NJ Transit, a call for reform, Disabled victims left to mourn. Murphy, Corbett, and Hudge in disdain, Ignoring pleas, victims left in pain. No support in the pandemic's gloom, Transit victims left in doom. No groceries, no aid, no one to talk, A plea for justice, a desperate walk. Corruption and blame in political play, A governor's disconnection, a dismay. Murphy's indifference, a painful truth, No laws for the victims, no justice for the youth. Governor Murphy, a blame game played, Ignoring transit deaths, a price not paid. No love for humanity, no justice in sight, In the bus driver's shadows, victims take flight. A request for laws, unheard, unseen, A governor's claim, cold and keen. No priority for bus safety's sake, Injustice prevails, the victims ache. In the pandemic's grip, a crisis profound, NJ Transit's negligence, a silent sound. Deaths ignored, victims betrayed, A fight for justice, in shadows, laid. Humanity cries, justice is sought, In transit's darkness, a battle fought. Injustice anywhere, a threat to us all, A mother's plea, a relentless call.

© [2024] Naomi Johnson. All rights reserved. This poem, "Shadows of Transit: Voices Unheard, Justice Unserved" is the intellectual property of Naomi Johnson- Soulality. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Unauthorized use or reproduction of this work is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.